ERIC Number: EJ1266601
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1090-1027
EISSN: N/A
Preparing Children for an Uncertain Future: The Role of the Early Childhood Teacher
Ebbeck, Marjory; Yim, Hoi Yin Bonnie; Wei, Ting
Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, v41 n3 p223-240 2020
This paper proposes that the future is uncertain for many children. Both natural and human-made disasters are adversely affecting the lives of millions of children and their families. An example of an environment-related disaster is cited from Sichuan Province, China, where a massive earthquake killed some 70,000 people in 2008. How the teachers responded to such a disaster is explained through drawings by the children illustrating their feelings. This paper discusses how early childhood teachers can prepare children before, during and after disasters. Various strategies are discussed including, facilitating children's expressions of emotions, empathy, and resilience in the face of adversity. The use of dramatic play and storytelling are discussed with examples that can be a stimulus for curriculum development. The role of the teacher is viewed as critical in helping children readjust to life and regain some semblance of well-being.
Descriptors: Early Childhood Teachers, Teacher Role, Young Children, Teacher Student Relationship, Natural Disasters, Emergency Programs, Empathy, Resilience (Psychology), Child Welfare, Trauma, Coping, Social Development, Emotional Development, Self Expression, Childrens Art, Dramatic Play, Story Telling, Foreign Countries
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: China
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A