Video 4.5: Libby & Kim – Beginning ground conversation

 

Libby, a teacher in a child care center, and Kim, a parent of a 4-year-old girl (Ella), have a conversation about working together and learning from one another. This conversation highlights developing an initial friendly relationship (running time: 2 min., 35 sec.).

 

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Libby:

Well Kim, I think now that you’ve sent … you’ve learned everything about this school…that you wanted to know about that I’d like to offer for you to tell me a little about your child.

Kim:

OK, um well Ella, she’s 4 years old, she’s coming from another program where she’s been in for a year or so, so she’s kind of used to the preschool environment. She’s a middle child, she’s wonderful and loves artwork and has really good friendships.

Libby:

So she’s been in a program before. So can you tell me a little bit about what she’s like when you say goodbye to her and leave her, especially in the beginning, when she started that experience?

Kim:

Yeah. You know just having an older sister I think she was kind of used to going off and being able to run and romp with these other children.

Libby:

What seemed to be her favorite activities in the school where she’s at now—she talks about the most.

Kim:

Snack is always a big activity. She seems to love snack. And art; she loves painting and drawing and she could spend the whole day, it seems, doing that.

Libby:

Do you live in a neighborhood with children?

Kim:

We do and we live right near a park, about a block from a park.

Libby:

Oh, wonderful! So she went from being the baby in the family herself to now having a new little one.

Kim:

Yes. Yes, she does have a new baby herself. Yeah, well so far she’s doing well. There are some adjustments but she’s…

Libby:

That’s an adjustment, it is. I have to tell you it’s so important… the information that you shared with me today. I hope this is just the beginning of the way our relationship will continue to build as we move through this experience together because the more you share with us and I hope you will always feel comfortable to do that, then the more informed we can be and the better job we’ll do for Ella.