I was really interested by how children learned, and I wanted to know how.  I wanted to see how I could facilitate that process.  Being a teacher just spoke to me, and wouldn’t go away.  I am the person that when my husband and I go to a park, kids just know.  You can look over, and there will be five kids flocked around me asking questions…. being an educator chose me.

My greatest teaching moment was when a school that I worked at told me not to bother with a group of kids.  They said they can’t learn, and to just get to the end of the year.  I decided not to accept that.  I came in, provided a positive learning environment, set expectations, and believed in them.  They started turning in their homework.  You could see them develop a greater love of learning.

Yesterday actually.  A child and I were having a discussion about their behavior.  This is something we have been working on for a long time.  We have had many conversations about what are appropriate social interactions.  This time we were talking about pushing.  So when I mentioned that we don’t push, they said- “But we didn’t talk about pushing.” I laughed to myself, and replied, “There is no biting, no spitting, no hitting or no pushing.  They just looked at me, and said, “So….. no biting, no hitting, no spitting, OR no biting?  Ok Ms. Crystal, NOW I know there is no pushing.”  That’s what happens when you assume something is implied…

Trust what you know to be true.  If you don’t know, then watch, and you will know.  There is this unspoken knowledge that comes with being a parent.  Just pay attention and listen.  You can’t go wrong.  It is the greatest gift parents don’t even know they have.

Be an observer.  Follow the child, not the curriculum.  Love what you do, because you will never be paid enough.

Where The Wild Things Are

Bio-

Crystal Doyle is from Miami Florida.  She has taught for 22 years consecutively.  She has three dogs that she loves, and loves to be outdoors.  You can often find her surfing, paddle boarding, or running.