A recent study has shown that preschoolers really benefit from having a good connection with a teacher. When a child is young, a lot of their learning comes from interacting with others. Toddlers and preschoolers are always watching interactions between people to gauge how they should react and how this “adult life” works. While a lot of a preschooler’s interactions are going to be with their parents and any siblings, it is proving important that they maintain a good relationship with their teacher.
According to Eurekalert, a recent study was done on homeless preschoolers that found a strong connection between the relationship they had with their teachers and their risk of behavioral/emotional problems. The results and benefits can be transferred to preschoolers in general.
The reason they looked at homeless preschoolers for the study was because they found a difference in how some children were able to cope with their environment. They found that some children were more resilient than others, and they wanted to figure out if there was any particular reason why. The study was published on the North Carolina State University website in full, but they used data they had from survey and interviews done with parents and teachers of about 314 children.
The researchers were able to find that 70% of the children were considered to be well-adjusted and had healthy behaviors. Their example of healthy behavior was playing well with others. The 30% that were left showed signs that they were struggling with behavior. When they looked deeper to figure out what the difference was between the 70% and 30%, the only variable was a strong connection with their preschool teacher.
Researchers stated that if there was an emotional bond or connection between teacher and child, the child was more likely to be resilient throughout difficulties. The world did not need any more proof that teachers are vital in our lives, and the lives of our children, but if they did they can always fall back on this study.
The researchers also stated that this study has potential implications in the real world. They said that this shows the mere fact that teachers need to be given the support they need to allow them to create these bonds.
This is especially true or teachers who are working in low-income areas, or communities riddle with crime and less-than-ideal conditions for children. They stated that they would like to do more research and look into the details of the teacher-child relationship to determine just what interventions could be done.
Sources: Eurekalert, North Carolina State University