Early childhood education is a foundational stage in your child’s life. It introduces them to new experiences, routines, and relationships. One common concern many parents face is when their child doesn’t seem to get along with their teacher. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, particularly when you’re unsure how to help your child adapt.
In this article, we’ll explore strategies for handling different teaching styles and helping your child navigate this important part of their PreK journey.
Common Reasons Children Struggle with Teachers
Unfamiliar Teaching Style
Children thrive on routine. A new teaching style might feel challenging, especially if it’s different from their previous experiences or what they’re used to at home. Introducing structured learning or new social-emotional practices might feel overwhelming to some children at first. For tips on how to handle transitions, explore our guide on helping children transition to a new classroom.
Personality Differences
Just like adults, children won’t immediately connect with everyone they meet. This is a valuable opportunity to teach them social skills and how to interact with different personalities.
Multiple Teachers
In many childcare settings, like Early Advantage, classrooms have multiple teachers. While this offers personalized attention, it can also introduce different styles throughout the day, which might cause discomfort for some children. If your child is struggling with multiple teachers, you can explore some of our strategies for easing the transition in our post on Dealing with Challenging Behavior.
Separation Anxiety
For children who are new to school, their negative feelings might stem more from being away from home than from the teacher. Learn more on managing this in our guide on Dealing with Separation Anxiety.
Developmental Differences
Sometimes, a child’s developmental stage affects their response to the teacher. A child who needs more physical activity, for instance, may struggle in a setting focused on sit-down learning. If developmental concerns are present, consider reviewing our guide on Developmental Delays.
Understanding the Importance of Teaching Styles
At Early Advantage, our educators use a variety of teaching styles based on several well-researched curriculums to provide a holistic approach to early childhood development. These varied methods ensure that every child receives the support they need in both academic and emotional growth. However, the diversity in teaching styles can sometimes lead to challenges, as children may naturally respond more positively to some approaches than others.
Here’s a list of the different educational philosophies and curriculums we incorporate into our programs:
- Frog Street Curriculum
- Conscious Discipline Curriculum
- Second Step Curriculum
- Learning Without Tears Curriculum
- Baby Doll Circle Time Curriculum
- S.M.A.R.T. Curriculum
How to Support Your Child in Adapting to a New Teacher
Here are several strategies for helping your child adjust to a teacher they might initially dislike:
1. Open Communication
The first step is to talk openly with your child about their feelings. Use questions that encourage them to describe their experience rather than give simple “yes” or “no” answers.
For instance, “What do you like to do in class?” or “Is there something that makes you feel frustrated at school?” Listen carefully and avoid dismissing their feelings, as this can help you identify specific issues with the teacher or environment.
2. Talk to the Teacher
Building a relationship with the teacher is essential. If your child continues to express dissatisfaction, reach out to the teacher to discuss any concerns. They may offer insights into classroom dynamics and suggest ways to make your child feel more comfortable. Many teachers appreciate this kind of partnership with parents, as it allows them to adjust their approach to meet the needs of individual students.
At Early Advantage, our teachers are trained in multiple curriculums, like Conscious Discipline, which encourages positive guidance and emotional understanding, allowing children to feel safe and supported. By talking with your child’s teacher, you may discover new ways to bridge the gap between the teaching style and your child’s needs.
For more insights on supporting your child’s emotional development, check out our Parent Resources.
3. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Children in PreK are still developing the ability to adapt to new situations. Encourage your child to approach school with a growth mindset, helping them understand that learning to work with different people is a part of growing up. Highlight moments where they’ve successfully learned something new or had a good day, reinforcing the idea that challenges can be overcome.
4. Role-Playing Scenarios
If your child feels anxious or unsure about their teacher’s expectations, role-playing at home can be a helpful tool. You can practice classroom scenarios and model positive interactions. This can help your child feel more prepared and confident when faced with similar situations in real life.
5. Patience and Time
It’s important to remember that adapting to a new teacher or teaching style takes time. While some children adjust quickly, others may take longer to feel comfortable. Giving them space to grow and adapt without too much pressure can lead to more lasting positive outcomes.
For more advice on easing your child’s transition to new environments, you can check out our article on Transition Tips: Helping Your Child Transition to a New Classroom.
The Role of Trained Teachers in Helping Children Adjust
At Early Advantage, our staff are trained professionals who understand the importance of fostering emotional, cognitive, and social growth in young children. We know that adjusting to a new teacher or teaching style can sometimes be difficult, and our team is well-prepared to help children through these transitions.
Proven Techniques for Emotional and Cognitive Development
Our teachers are trained in effective educational techniques such as Conscious Discipline, which fosters emotional intelligence and helps children build self-regulation skills. They also use the Frog Street Curriculum, which focuses on cognitive development through play-based, structured learning. These approaches help create an inclusive and nurturing environment where children feel safe to express themselves and explore new concepts.
Ongoing Professional Development
In addition to their foundational training, our teachers participate in ongoing professional development. This includes regular training in areas such as CPR, first aid, child safety, and child development. By staying current with the latest educational research and child psychology insights, our staff is well-equipped to handle the unique challenges that may arise in the classroom.
Partnering for Success
At Early Advantage, we view parents as partners in the educational process. By working together and maintaining open lines of communication, we can ensure that your child receives the best support possible as they navigate their early childhood education experience. Whether through brief daily check-ins, our easy-to-use communication app, or scheduled meetings, we’re here to help you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
For additional tips on supporting your child’s growth at home, be sure to explore our comprehensive Parent Resources.
