heart thinking

How do you explain to challenged little people that everyone needs time with the teacher and it's not really fair if one or two are getting/demanding it a lot of the time?
Well I had an idea and it worked!
My silver heart has a lovely chime and I took it to school to encourage a sense of calm. Then I had a coloured heart for each of the children, a pink heart for my classroom assistant and another special heart for my relief teacher.
I laid them on a place mat and watched how they reacted. They were very careful and full of oohs and aaahs.
Later we had a chat about them all. They understood my heart was in the middle because I had to plan everything for everyone, and that the pink heart was a dancer as she had to move around helping different people. The other heart was a supporter, sometimes in the circle and sometimes not.
And they could see that if my heart moved to one of the coloured hearts then that meant it was quite a long way from the ones at the opposite side and they need my heart too.
There were a lot of smiles and I think the visual illustration helped. Anyway it was beautiful and they enjoy playing with the hearts between activities.
I do love working with them though they sometimes drive me to....not sure where!

[Jennifer Jones]

This is such a beautiful illustration, representing what must have a been a very moving and meaningful teaching time. Thanks for sharing it, Sallie!

[Judith Johnson]

What a beautiful thought, and a unique way of explaining things so that little ones understand. I love the way you've composed this picture.

[mittens (Marilyn)]

This is beautiful. A great story, too.

[Pat Knowles]

Such a wonderful illustration of sharing & consideration for others Sallie , you have a great way with those children !

[Mrs. Smith]

This is just a perfect way to teach them....Your job has got to be difficult and frustrating at times...yet I am sure that the simpler rewards are there.

[Lorna]

Lovely reasoning and you have made a beautiful picture too.

[Caroline]

You are a gem!

[Sarah Bremner]

@jmj @busylady @mittens @happypat @mrssmith @lornareid @caroline11820

Thank you all - your encouragement has been much appreciated.
It is a very challenging job at so many levels but I pour myself into it and hope.......!

[Louise]

What a lovely illustration for the children. I'm happy that I see my pupils one at at time!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

How sweet- it's interesting how children will blend the concrete world with ideas and concepts to understand those less than concrete ideas- like sharing the teacher's time. I have a feeling there is a classroom full of little people that LOVE their teacher!