Before I Ask the Teacher

Wellness Quick tips for Children
Written By Cynthia Skyers-Gordon

How to Use the Activity

When children encounter a small, safe problem, encourage them to think of one thing they might try before asking the teacher to solve it.

Ask:

• “What could you try?”
• “What have you tried already?”
• “Is there another way?”

Afterward, invite the child to tell you what they tried and whether it worked.

Make it clear that children should always ask an adult for help when they feel unsafe, hurt, confused, or truly need assistance.

Why This Matters

When adults immediately solve every small problem, children can miss opportunities to discover their own capabilities. Encouraging an appropriate first attempt strengthens independence, persistence, decision-making, and confidence while reinforcing that asking for help is still important when it is needed.

Closing Reflection

“I can try, think, and still ask for help when I need it.”

#IndependentThinking #ProblemSolving #KidzExecExcellence #ChildConfidence #Persistence #ChildDevelopment #LearningThroughPractice #CriticalThinking #ChildIndependence #WholeChildDevelopment

Cynthia Skyers-Gordon

Dr. Cynthia Skyers-Gordon, Ed.D. is the founder of SILWELL-C (Staff-Inspired Leadership for Wellness and Calm), a wellness initiative created to empower educators, leaders, and teams to thrive from within. With more than 33 years of experience in early childhood education, from assistant teacher to director to Education Coordinator, Dr. Skyers-Gordon understands the challenges and opportunities staff face each day.

SILWELL-C was born from her belief that true wellness in schools starts with the staff themselves. By providing calm leadership strategies, practical tools, affirmations, and inspiration, SILWELL-C equips educators and leaders to create supportive, balanced environments where both staff and children can flourish.

Through workshops, consultations, and creative resources, Dr. Skyers-Gordon combines her in-depth expertise with a passion for cultivating resilience, connection, and calm in every space. Whether it’s through her upcoming Wellness Toolkit, the JamBel Storybook, or the Free Wellness Hub, she continues to design practical ways for educators and leaders to sustain their own wellness while inspiring others.

At its core, SILWELL-C is more than a program; it’s a movement: a reminder that when staff lead with wellness, schools grow with strength, calm, and confidence.

https://www.silwellc.com
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