Preschool educator Nurazizah Binte Amir (or Teacher Azizah) is reserved by nature. She knew interacting with the parents from her class would be daunting, especially when she was just starting out as a new educator at Skool4Kidz Preschool @ Woodlands Crescent Meadow.
And Ms Nur Suriani Binte Suhud (or Ms Iani), a mother of four, could see just that. Her family had just moved to the neighbourhood. She was anxious if her children were settling in well at their new school and had many questions. Her second son was enrolled in Teacher Azizah’s class.
Every time the two women met at morning drop-offs or preschool events, Ms Iani saw how Teacher Azizah hesitated speaking to the parents. And she knew they had different communication styles.
CLOSING THE GAP
Knowing that Teacher Azizah was shy, Ms Iani decided to adopt a gentler approach and not to overwhelm her with questions. She knew her goal was aligned with Teacher Azizah – to support her son’s early years development. She just needed to be patient and take on this journey together, slowly.
Ms Iani began initiating conversations. She would share what she was like as a new mother, the family’s habits at home, and the values that matter to them. She also opened up and shared parenting triumphs and challenges, and what seemed to work and what did not.
Ms Iani (second from right) and Teacher Azizah (far left), with children and educators from Skool4kidz @ Woodlands Crescent Meadow, at the Woodlands Care Home Hamper Drive.
As Ms Iani became a familiar and friendly face, Teacher Azizah also gained confidence as an educator. She started sharing more of her observations of Ms Iani’s son in preschool. By the time she became a full-fledged educator, interacting and engaging parents to support the children’s development became second nature to her.
GROWING ALONGSIDE EACH OTHER
It takes two hands to clap. Teacher Azizah realised that parents just want to know whether their children are doing well. Over time, she gained experience of communicating to parents effectively through open communication, offering parents assurance and guiding them with child development strategies.
Ms Iani also felt comfortable approaching Teacher Azizah for advice on managing the behaviours of one of her sons. Teacher Azizah told her that he responded better to calm, firm instructions. When Ms Iani tried this out at home, she found that this was indeed more effective.
“She helped me become a better parent,” she shared.
Teacher Azizah (right), with Ms Iani (left) on Parents’ Day.
From this experience, Ms Iani gleaned a few takeaways for other parents:
- Be open and trust the teachers
The educators are trained early childhood experts. They act in the children’s best interests and do their best to help them.
- Lean in and start conversations
Communication is a two-way street. It takes both people willing to come together for it to be possible. In Ms Iani’s case, she chose to approach Teacher Azizah, opening the door to a genuine connection.
- Leverage consistency through collaboration
With the advice from Teacher Azizah, Ms Iani was able to keep instructive methods consistent and even replicated some preschool routines at home. Similarly, Teacher Azizah was aware of the habits and expectations of Ms Iani’s family which she translated into her interaction with the child in class.
