7/6/01
Question 117
Dear Preschool
Teacher,
I am also a preschool teacher, I have a quick
question for you. We were making feelings booklets, and I always write
what the child says above picture even if it is bad, but the thing
that happen was a child stated, "It makes me angry when Jeff hits
me" (meaning the mothers boyfriend). I went ahead and wrote the
statement down. Would you have?
Well that was 2 years ago and guess what? It
is now being used in court in protecting this child. There has been
other pictures as well that he has drawn with statements in which I
have always wrote what the child has said word by word. Is that the
right thing to do?
Word For Word
Dear Word For Word,
As a teacher, I have always taken things
that the
children say and written them word for word. I would
have also made copies for their file.
Sherri
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear Word For Word,
I think you did the right thing. We try to teach
children to express their feelings instead of holding their feelings
inside. He did not say anything inappropriate and you validated
his feelings by writing them in his words. It could have simply
meant a spanking now and then, but by writing it down for him you have
documented the events in his life. Obviously there is a
lot more to this situation and it is important for children to
know that adults listen to them. I write what the children say
also , the only exception being swear words because I don't speak like
that and I want to set a good example. I just tell the children
that is not how we talk in our room.
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear Word For Word,
I always write what the
child says. When the say things that raise my concern I start
documenting things and become more aware and also talk to the parents
more often, and ask questions about the child's home life i.e. How the
child is doing at home has there been any changes....Get involved a
little bit more.
Kris W
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear Word For Word,
I agree that it is very important to
write down the exact words a child uses when you ask them to tell you
about their pictures and feelings. Whenever something of concern
is stated, it is very important to contact the child protection agency
immediately. I would keep a copy of the child's work for my own
files, but I would turn over the original work to the agency.
As it is the law in Ontario, Canada, I
would not discuss it with the parent at all, as doing so can hinder
the investigation. As teachers, we are required by law to report
any suspicion of child abuse and it is the job of the Child Protection
Agency to decide whether an investigation is required.
Your experience effectively illustrates why
it is also very important to keep a dated log book where you would
record these kinds of conversations in detail. We can be called as
witnesses several years after an incident and having detailed
notes ensures we do not have to rely on our memories!
Shelley
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
