We all know the importance of observation in our classrooms. Observation helps us better understand the needs of our children, as well as areas that may need additional care and support. We find out what’s working well and what changes may be needed. But how often do we spend time observing ourselves? Like the observation of the children and our classrooms, self-observation is essential for better understanding how *we* are doing. What needs do we have? What’s working well and what changes may be needed to better support our own well-being? (And indirectly, the well-being of every child in our care.) Join this talk to understand the importance of self-observation as well as find out how we can practice this essential skill every day.
In this video
If you notice yourself reacting on autopilot in the tough moments with children, Paula Zhou turns observation inward. The skills parents and teachers use to watch children are pointed at yourself, with an exercise on your own reactions to three tough moments. The talk also looks at what happens when autopilot still wins. It closes with a short guided breathing practice, the Three Step Breathing Space, to follow along with.
Chapters
- 0:00 Why we observe children: the whole class and each child
- 6:34 Turning observation inward and catching your autopilot
- 11:30 Exercise: noticing your reactions to three tough moments
- 18:34 When autopilot wins, and why self-observation takes practice
- 21:45 A guided Three Step Breathing Space practice
