As a regular vacationer in Anguilla, Dr. Janis Strasser, of New Jersey, has been voluntarily training preschool teachers here for the past three years. She stands dedicated to tirelessly doing her part in empowering Anguilla’s teachers who work with children through their formative years.
The Anguillian newspaper had a conversation with her on Tuesday, February 17th, and learned that she worked in the preschool education system in the US for almost 50 years, and sees the education of preschoolers as a very critical part of children’s development. Based on her experience with this age grouping, in the US, she has created a learning community for Anguilla’s pre-school teachers where they work in small groups to study and reflect upon their classroom practices.
Dr. Strasser said that she finds her work as a volunteer rewarding, especially with these dedicated teachers who are willing to grow and explore new ways of teaching. For this reason, she would like to let the public know that instead of complimenting her for her efforts, the focus should be directed at praising the teachers who have been attending her workshops for the past three years — and who have gained deep insight into young children’s cognitive, literacy, social/emotional, and artistic development.
One area of concern that Dr. Strasser and the teachers have recently been discussing is competitive sporting events for the young children. She explained: “When I first toured the preschools here, I noticed that there were many outdoor activities in competitive sports. I think that sporting activities in themselves are wonderful, and really it is not in my place to determine what is good or bad for the young children in Anguilla, having come here as an outsider into a different culture. However, what I do know, as a Child Development Specialist, is that for very young children, who are two-and-a-half or three to four, competition is rather difficult for them. First, these young children need to feel good about themselves before they can engage in competitive events and be able to accept the agony of losing.”
“For young preschool children,” she said, “losing is sometimes traumatising, and although I understand the value of competition in sports in general as children get older, the teachers and I talk a lot about first building that confidence and a good self-concept in the younger children before they begin to compete, as they get older.
“So, I saw all of these relay races for preschoolers, and I saw a look of bewilderment or sadness on those two-and-a-half year old children’s faces when they would lose. That can have a negative psychological impact on the young mind. This is something that we, as early childhood teachers, must be mindful of.”
Dr. Strasser said that she has noticed that most of the preschools don’t have outdoor playgrounds with lots of equipment for activities such as climbing, swinging, or exercising in non-competitive ways. For that reason, she said that she has sourced an ideal book that she is using in her workshops this year:
“There is a book in the US that I always used with early childhood teachers called Follow Me Too. This book contains activities and movement games for children ages three to five. When I went to purchase copies the book, I realized it was out of print, so I got permission to make photo copies — one for each preschool teacher on the island. There are games where the children help each other, share, and cooperate with one another, while developing their small and gross motor skills, rather than compete with one another.” The teachers have tried many of these games with their children.
Apart from donating these books, and other resources such as crayons, construction paper, scissors, and glue for the teachers, Dr. Strasser hinted that she would be also providing some art paint for the teachers to promote creativity in the preschoolers. She noted that funding for the paint, brushes, containers, and painting paper will provided in part by some owners of Carimar Beach Hotel where she vacations — as well as by her husband.”
“Again,” she said, “with the generosity of some Carimar owners, I have matched their donations and have been able to order seven culturally relevant children picture books for each teacher. The titles of these books are: More More More Said Baby; Little Blue and Little Yellow; Ten, Nine, Eight; Go Away Big Green Monster; Sometimes I’m Bamboloo; Three Billy Goats Gruff; and This Little Light of Mine. I am working with the teachers on a list of activities to go along with each book.”
Dr. Strasser expressed her gratitude for the interest of all the preschool teachers on the island – some 39 of them – who have made themselves available to participate regularly in the preschool training workshops. She praised them for being so willing to work together to help children develop their thinking and language skills as they read and discuss children’s books year after year. In the same vein, she expressed her admiration for the principals of each school who invariably accompany their teachers — giving them the support that they need, while they benefit from the sessions.
In addition, Dr. Strasser said that she would like to put on record her appreciation for the diligence of the Chief Education Officer, Mr. Bren Romney, as well as for the impetus of Education Officer for Pre and Primary Schools, Mrs. Susan Smith, who is always so accommodating and hospitable during the workshops. The upcoming preschool teachers’ workshop is slated for March 3rd
and 5th at the Campus B auditorium.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
