Children want to be heard, but interrupting, unless it’s an emergency, is not okay. Listening skills are taught early, and it is understood how important it is to wait for your turn. My day is spent listening to little ones and their stories, and helping them with their needs. They understand early on that what they have to say is very important. But when it is time to be quiet, it is time to be quiet. Here are some examples:
Quiet time: This is the time when children are trying to sleep or rest. Downtime is important for clean-up and to ensure that the children do not get overstimulated.
Story time: We have a poem we recite just before stories: “Thinking caps, listening ears, button our lips, throw it away, hands together on our laps, crisscross applesauce, eyes on the story, gum on your bum stick it down.”
Learning or Concentration time: This is mostly so that instructions are not missed, and work is done in a timely manner (for ages 3.5-6).
In addition, the parents and I sometimes talk at great length about their children at the end of the day. The children are also excited to see their parents, so normally I will give them some grace, stand back, give them time, but then it’s my turn. Once it’s my time, they are not allowed to interrupt, but show patience and wait.
Not always is this achievable. The children are taught very early that an emergency is always a priority. That means even if I don’t feel it’s an emergency and they do, it will still be addressed. How do I teach them this so they don’t get accused of interrupting? Easy. All they have to do is put their hand on my arm. That simple act is a signal that they cannot wait. Occasionally, we have to readdress what is considered an emergency, but not often. It is crucial that we show the children the same respect we want. Never interrupt them unless it is an emergency or dealing with a time constraint. Always show interest in what they have to say in the hope that they will emulate the behavior, making interruptions limited.