Work

So while at free to be I have had different types of jobs. Here is one job that I have normally everytime i am there.

I have been on coat duty. This sounds like an unimportant job, but i feel it is very important! Everyday the children at Free To Be have outside play. You may be thinking that this is typical of a daycare center, BUT thie difference is the amount of time spent. Free To Be believes that unstructured outside play is a very important part of childrens learning. Not only are they running around getting exercise, but they are exploring nature and solving problems. Free To Be had no less than two hours of outside play everyday. One hour in the morning and one in the afternoon. This is no matter if it is snowing or freezing or just about to rain. ( which isn't always pleasant for the teachers!) They even do rain walks outside wearing ponchos! So now you can understand that coat duty is very important. I help than put them on if they need it, but mostly i just zip and button them up. i also make sure they are wearing hats and gloves if need be. Free To Be had a collection of hats and gloves for students who forgot to bring theirs in.

It is an important part of working at Free To Be that teachers must let the children "TRY" to be independent. Of course sometimes an adult can do something (like put a childs coat on) three times faster. But it is very importnat that these children learn to do these simple tasks on their own so they can become more independent.

At first that was difficult for me. I am used to just dressing my niece and doing it fast. Sometimes adults are too rushed, they don't think about the benefits of letting children slowly figure things out on their own. Not to mention the kids really get a self esteem boost when they accomplish something on their own!