Good for you to reach out for support. I agree with comments about group size and ratio! No one thrives in a 1:6 with two year olds very easily!!
I've been in similar situation and what finally helped my feelings of burnout shift was the ability to see each of the challenges as but a "moment" that would pass.
My friend with a Buddhist meditation practice coached me on acknowledging the moment was DIFFICULT - even saying this out loud to the children, "Hang on friends, I'm really busy and feel overwhelmed! I'll help you as soon as I can!" More importantly, accepting that in the moment I would feel all sorts of upset and failure, that that those feeling too would pass!
While this is more of an internal measure, I also doubled up on games that support children in learning to regulate themselves. Movement games that include "stop and go" or " sleep and wake " or "fast and slow" etc. I helped the children learn signs and gestures that mean "wait" or "be right back" or "slow" and could use those from across the room in support.
Finally, at meal times or as I eased them into nap, I would retell the story of our morning- warts and all (ruptures and the strength in our repair attempts!). "Remember when you cried and I couldn't hold you? You waited for me to help your friend with her diaper then I held you. Thank you for learning to be patient. I hope you feell better now!"
Describing the challenges and how we met them or were learning to meet them, was a way to repair any ruptures in our trusting relationships and to calm the higher cortisol levels in my own body!
Hoping your program finds a way to support you and the children (and their families) more fully and that your days are filled with more MOMENTS of fun and joy and ease than not!!!
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Dylynn Robertson
Early Head Start Education Specialist
Portland OR
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-25-2018 01:00 PM
From: Olivia Schaffer
Subject: Solo teacher burn out?
Hi all,
I'm currently the only teacher in a room of 6 two year olds. I love my class to pieces, but they're a rowdy bunch (because they're two!) and some days I feel so isolated and burnt out. It's like a one man show, all the time. I do all the meals, all the diapers, all the planning and circle time and books and etc. I've also been having some challenging behaviors arise when they know I'm busy, i.e. when I'm up to my elbows in a dirty diaper or washing paint off of someone. I've asked supervisors for help and advice, and most of the tips I've gotten don't work particularly well with one teacher. Things like minimizing group sizes, shadowing the child exhibiting behaviors, etc. I feel terrible because when I feel burnt out, I know I'm not showing the kids my best. Does anyone else feel this way, or has anyone ever been in the same boat and have any advice? Thank you!
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Olivia Schaffer
Teacher
Bright Horizons
Atglen PA
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