For Parents

Safety and Security October 2001 Dr. Sharon Carver

During this difficult time in our nation's history, we have all been vividly reminded of the human need to feel safe and secure. Many adults have expressed a sense of disorientation, hesitancy to commit, and difficulty focusing during the day or sleeping at night. Many have found comfort in reconnecting with family and friends, returning to routines, and engaging in familiar activities. Naturally, our children experience similar feelings and are comforted in similar ways. Recognizing these feelings and related responses can help us, as adults, understand both the challenge facing our preschoolers and kindergartners as they begin a new school year and the strategies that the Children's School staff uses to facilitate the children's feelings of safety and security.

What a pleasure it has been for me to observe teachers who are so focused on helping the children make a smooth transition and build firm foundations for learning and development! The "friends" in each of our classrooms have spent the first weeks of school becoming familiar with each other, their space, and the classroom expectations and routines. They have been sharing pictures of their families and making pictures of themselves. They have begun to form strong relationships by exploring the many classroom centers together and by joining their groups for circle time. They have toured the school, explored the playground, and ventured to the gym. The teachers emphasize each person's role in the school so that the children understand that there are many people here who care about them and can help them. They also emphasize the safe ways to move our bodies and use the classroom materials so that no one gets hurt and everyone can participate. Children remind each other to use their "walking feet," and groups recite "when you chop, hands on top" in the kitchen. Despite the tension in the outside world, the atmosphere within the Children's School is one of calm, comfortable, and constructive activity.

Consider taking an opportunity to observe your child's class one day soon to remind yourself that there remains hope for the future.

The Children's School, MMC 17, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412)268-2199 Copyright 1999 Carnegie Mellon University