Archive for September, 2010

I was a preschool teacher for 9 years, teaching preschoolers ages 3, 4 and 5 years of age. I loved working with them and was quite successful over time. One of the biggest lessons I learned as a preschool teacher was to whisper when I wanted to get their attention. I know that sounds funny…whispering over 16 four year olds to get their attention. What I found was when I raised my voice they seemed to ignore me or my voice got lost in all the hoopla, but when I whispered, the volume in the classroom seemed to go down dramatically, to the point where eventually all activity stopped and I had their full attention.
My point? Nobody wants to be yelled at, neither do they want you in their face telling them what is right, what they are doing wrong or how to do things period! You will more times than not get resistence and I find this applies to adults and people in general.
Being part of the “Green” movement, on the front lines, so to speak, I see this happen alot. Educated environmentalist wanting change for the better and wanting to bring all on board in their efforts. The problem is some of them are SCREAMING their mission, in your face, and demanding change. I see people getting turned off, feeling helpless and flat out wanting nothing to do with the “movement.”
I prefer to “whisper” to our brothers and sisters, let them know gently and kindly that there is hope if we all do our part. If we all pay attention in our daily lives regarding our actions and how they affect our health and the health of our planet. Share with them information and educate them on how doing one thing can make a difference! I feel it is important to “whisper” in their ears that “I am just like them…not better, not worse..but trying to do my best every single day”
Which would you prefer from a friend, neighbor, co-worker, a kind “Whisper” or an abrasive “Shout?” I know what moves me……..