Annex Mentors and Facilitatirs

ORGANIZED :   Preschool children need structure. When they know what’s coming next, they feel less anxious and more able to engage in their activities. Annex Little Me teachers follow an organized plan from day to day and keep to a structured curriculum. They also have an organized system for drop-offs and pickups, communicating with parents, keeping the space neat and tidy, etc. Everyone, including parents, knows what to expect at all times.

PATIENCE + A DASH OF HUMOR :   Annex Little Me teachers understand mistakes and accidents happen, especially with toddlers. They patiently handle upsets with a sense of humour, and don’t let minor issues phase them. They keep the end goal in mind, and don’t dwell on frustrations in the moment. Children respond well to these non-judgmental reactions to their behaviour, and they feel more confident to try new things when they know they’ll be patiently encouraged or redirected.

OPEN MINDED :  Even though children are no longer forced to fall in line and conform to one best way of teaching (the teacher’s way of course) like in the olden days, ...some teachers still have trouble allowing each child to learn in their own way.

Our teachers know children come from different families, backgrounds, and experiences. They understand neurological differences are often at play, and they observe and interact with their students in such a way that helps them to determine each child’s best path forward. Our teacher doesn’t try to fit every child into one box. If Child A needs to wiggle more than Child B, they will adapt an activity to make that possible.

REALISTIC :   Annex Little Me teachers understand when a limit has been reached, and doesn’t try to skirt around it or avoid it. If a child is struggling with a developmental delay, she won’t hold him to impossible standards, and she won’t ignore the issue. She’ll communicate with the parents and come up with realistic solutions that will work for everyone.

ADAPTABLE :   Sometimes, a lesson goes over a child’s head. Sometimes, children can’t focus because it’s raining outside. Our teacher will recognize when things aren’t going in the right direction and will skilfully redirect the children. The difficult lesson plan will be abandoned in favour of a wiggle activity that teaches the same concept. The children will be taken to the window to watch the rain and discuss weather patterns. Whatever comes up, Annex Little Me teacher will be able to think quickly to keep the children engaged and learning.

OBSERVANT :  Annex Little Me teacher watches how the children interact, noticing if one child is withdrawn or if a child is monopolizing all the activities. Our teachers get down and interact with the children, giving them a close-up view for understanding how each child thinks, and allowing them to anticipate or even avoid potential troubles.

LOVING :  Most importantly, our teachers love their students. This love helps motivate their actions towards kind solutions to problems and joyful learning experiences. When children feel loved and safe, they feel free to learn.

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