Don't Run With Scissors

Obviously safety is an important issue with any kind of activity provided for children. In the chapter, "Don't Run With Scissors", Nadine Kalin demonstrates how teachers can provide a safe environment for children, physically, emotionally and socially. During the workshop I will be having with a child, I will be able to establish a sense of security with the child because I will be in her own home and one of her parents will be present at the time in order for the child to feel more comfortable. The child will be able to take her time because the project will be done on a weekend when I have nothing else to do and neither does she. This way the child will not feel rushed or pressured to have the project done in a certain amount on time. Through the stages of creating the project, I will be present to work with the child a provide positive feedback and also help with the areas the child is having trouble with. Communication is important so the child feels comfortable with me and a connection between the two of us is built. Since the project with the child is not a craft, her own ideas will be more than welcomed and I will do my best to encourage her creativity by making suggestions and reacting enthusiastically if she comes up with ideas on her own. It is important that even though she is a child, I will be respectful of her art project, her ideas and her home and will not pressure her into anything that she is feeling uncomfortable with, but simply encourage her toward new ideas and ways of creating.