Kristin Quiros

Pre-K Lead Teacher

In her book, Playing for Keeps, author Susan J. Oliver continues, "Many functional skills like literacy and arithmetic can be learned either through play or through instruction – the issue is the amount of stress on the child. However, many coping skills like compassion, self-regulation, self-confidence, the habit of active engagement, and the motivation to learn and be literate cannot be instructed. They can only be learned through self-directed experience (i.e. play)."

I believe when working with children, one needs to be passionate about creating confident, caring, competent, creative, and independent human beings. I try to help children develop a feeling of self-awareness and respect for themselves, others, and the world around them; recognizing and accepting the unique differences and similarities between themselves and others.

I feel this can be achieved when children are listened to, cared for, and respected.

I feel creating a relationship of respect with each student and their family, is the most important thing for any teacher. So much more comes into the relationship once respect is there. The learner knows he or she will be treated fairly, they can trust their teacher to listen to them, they will feel safe and know support and guidance is there.

This can be very empowering to a person. When a child or adult feels powerful, they have the confidence and desire to explore, experiment, create, and challenge themselves, which is all part of the learning process.