We were joined by an educational seminar, in which I participated alongside a number of educators, supervisors, and private school owners, along with a group of academics specializing in early childhood. The trainer, a European national and expert in child education, presented touching videos on the first day demonstrating her approach to communicating with young children. Her liveliness and inspiring style captivated us, and we enthusiastically engaged in the discussion, sharing our experiences and ideas until we left the hall.
But the next morning, the surprise came:
The trainer frankly said she was frustrated, that everything she had done the day before would have no real effect, and that she had described it as "a kind of waste of time."
Astonishment prevailed, until the translator explained the situation:
After the first day, none of us had cleared the tables, nor were the chairs replaced, nor were the water bottles and napkins thrown away . We were busy arguing and left the place as it was, expecting the maid to clean it up later.
A moment of heavy silence fell over the hall. We felt ashamed, and each of us looked at the other in astonishment and an implicit admission of our shortcomings.
Then the coach said firmly:
"What good is what I'm offering you if you don't practice it yourself? You can't influence your children unless you lead by example. If you want children to learn to respect space and take responsibility, start with yourself."
She continued:
"Make time for children to check and clean their classrooms, and don't leave school grounds dirty after recess. Teach them through your actions, not your words."
Yes, "you try in vain" ... she's absolutely right.
The golden rule of education says:
"What we do is worth a thousand words."
A child doesn't just listen, he observes closely and imitates what he sees. Actions are more powerful than commands and more truthful than directions.
If we want to instill values like cleanliness, responsibility, or respect in them, let's start first.
The poet's saying applies to us:
Do not forbid a behavior and then do the same yourself.
Shame on you if you did something great
Let us always remember: we are under the microscope of children , and what they see from us is what remains in their memory and shapes their personalities.
We ask God to make us true role models, who speak and act, who guide and implement, and to grant us sincerity in education, and to be among those who leave a beautiful impact on the souls of generations.