Elgin Taylor, Freelance Writer

Nardica Newell-Boothe - elgin taylor

st catherine

Most PEOPLE will agree that the job of teaching is a challenging one, especially if the students are among the very young, or those in their teen years.

Notwithstanding, there are many of these professionals who have found the formula to motivate and get good results from their students, and even have fun while doing so.

One such individual is Nardica Newell-Boothe, an early childhood teacher at Monsignor Colin Bryan Preparatory School in Old Harbour, St Catherine. In a recent interview with The Star, she spoke gleefully about her job.

"Yes there are challenges, but you just have to learn to cope. I teach a group of four year-olds and I have found that if you show them love, genuine love, they will be responsive. For instance, I never fail to give them a hug each day. I talk to them individually, I tell them stories and I play with them. They are just wonderful."

The mother of a three-year-old girl, Zoleeka explained that her actions represent her personality, as she is indeed a loving person.

She added that it took a lot of creativity to effectively deliver the integrated curriculum, and that music, storytelling and roleplay are key teaching strategies used to achieve this. She pointed out with much glee that the students are especially fond of dressing up during the roleplay activity.

Natural career choice

Newell-Boothe who hails from the rural district of Bois Content in St Catherine, stated that her choice of career seemed to come naturally, as she learned a lot from the positive and caring interaction with her young relatives.

An Early Childhood Education graduate of Shortwood Teacher's College, she has been a member of staff at Monsignor Colin Bryan Prep school since September, 2004.

Negative attitudes

Though a young teacher with only four years experience, she is concerned about the negative attitudes affecting the profession.

"It grieves me to observe the attitude of some of my colleagues in the profession. They are under-performing, and many seem just to be waiting for the monthly cheques. Based on reports, it seems that primary school teachers are especially guilty," she said.

She would also like to see more involvement by the parents in assisting the students with their homework, and paying close attention to what is happening in the schools.

This shy, soft-spoken teacher stressed that her happiness results from seeing her students achieve. She said the bond with her students is such that they would come and visit her even after they have graduated from her class.

She advises prospective teachers who are thinking of entering the profession solely for the money, to perish the thought.