teacher’s roles and
responsibilities in
play
Understanding the Key Roles of
Educators in Child Development
• Understand the
different roles a teacher
plays in facilitating
objectives children’s play
• Recognize how these
roles support children’s
learning, development,
and well-being
• Reflect on how to apply
these roles in real
classroom settings
introduction
Six characteristics of Teachers who
facilitate personal growth:
• Effective Listening- Truly hears
and understands students
• Genuineness- Builds trust through
authenticity
• Understanding- Recognizes
students’ emotion and needs
introduction
Six characteristics of Teachers who
facilitate personal growth:
• Respect- Values each child’s
individuality
• Intelligence- Adapts teaching
strategies effectively
• Skill interpersonal
communication- Connects
meaningfully with students
teacher as observer
Description: Observing children during
play helps teachers understand their
interests, skills, and social interactions.
• Observing children gives insight into their
interests, skills, and needs
• Teachers use these observations to adjust
teaching strategies and support each
child’s growth
• Observation fosters deeper teacher-child
connections and helps in creating
personalized learning experiencers
teacher as observer
Key
Points:
• Notes developmental progress
• Identifies learning gaps
• Adjusts teaching strategies based on
observations
Why does it matter?
The first step in intentional teaching is
careful observations.
Reflective Questions for
Observation:
Teachers ask
themselves:
1. What is the child experiencing right
now?
2. What does this tell me about their
personality, knowledge, and learning
style?
3. How can I build a better relationship
using this information?
4.How can I extend their learning from
this point?
Teacher as documenter
Description: Records student progress through
notes, photos, and portfolios
• Teachers record children’s activities, thoughts,
and learning processes through pictures,
notes, or videos
• Documentation helps children reflect on their
learning and feel valued
• It’s also a powerful tool for teachers’ self-
evaluation and planningfuture lessons.
Teacher as documenter
Key Points:
• Captures children’s thoughts, actions, and
learning
• Makes learning visible to students, teachers,
and parents
• Encourages children to revisit and value their
own learning
Why does it matter?
Documentation strengthens and refine learning,
teaching, and relationships in the classroom.
Teacher as PLanner
Description: Creates structured yet
flexible lesson plans that align with
students’ needs.
• Teachers carefully prepare what and
how they will teach
• Planning includes curriculum goals, unit
themes, and daily lessons
• Good planning leads to effective,
engaging, and purposeful learning
experiences for children
Teacher as PLanner
Key Points:
• Designs engaging play-based
activities
• Sets clear objectives (e.g., teamwork,
problem-solving)
• Adapts plans based on student
responses
Why does it matter?
Good plans means you are a good and
effective teacher
Teacher as PLanner
Curriculum and Lesson
Planning
• Curriculum: Big-picture, long-term
learning goals
• Lesson Plan: A step-by-step guide
for one class, including objective,
activity, and assessment
Key Point: Thoughtful planning prevents
confusion and supports classroom
management
teacher as facilitator
Description: Guides learning without
dominating; encourages student-led
•discovery
Teachers guide learning rather than
just giving information
• They encourage children to explore,
ask questions, and solve problems
• In a child-centered classroom, the
teacher supports creativity and
curiosity
teacher as facilitator
Key Difference:
• Traditional: Teacher is the sole
knowledge source
• Facilitator: Students co-construc
knowledge source.
Goal:
Fosters independence and critical
thinking
Traits of a good
facilitator
Facilitators are:
• Great listeners who genuinely
understand children
• Respectful and empathetic
• Skilled communicators who
encourage student expression
• Able to connect learning with real-
life experiences
teacher as first responder
Description: Acts as a “First Responder” to
students’ emotional and academic needs
• Teachers protect and support children’s
emotional and physical safetly
• They help students navigate social
challenges and learning difficulties
• They respond quickly and kindly to
students’ needs-just like emergency
responders
teacher as first responder
Key Responsibilities:
• Provides immediate feedback
• Supports social-emotional growth
• Ensures a safe, inclusive
environment
Quote:
“Teachers are the closest educators to
our children.” (Berkowicz & Myers,
2013)
teacher as a model
Description: Demonstrates behaviors,
routines, and problem-solving
•techniques
Teachers teach by example-how to
behave, talk, think, and interact
• Modeling helps children understand
expectations clearly
• Repetition and consistency build
habits and confidence in students
teacher as a model
Key Strategies:
• Models tasks step-by-step (e.g., how
to share materials)
• Uses “think-alouds” to show
processes
Why it Works:
Students imitate what they see-show
them excellence
teacher as a model
Modeling Techniques
• Demonstrate step-by-step routines
• Use humor or small details to make
lessons memorable
• Allow students to follow or act out
behaviors
• Monitor and provide feedback while
they practice
• A teacher’s role in play is
dynamic and essential
• From observer to planner, each
Conclusion responsibility enriches
children’s learning
• Embracing these roles helps
create joyful, meaningful, and
developmentally appropriate
classrooms.
Quiz!
1. What is the main purpose of a
teacher acting as an observer?
A. To entertain students
B. To assess classroom
cleanliness
C. To enforce discipline
D. To understand children’s
learning and behavior
2. a well-prepared lesson should
include:
A. Objectives, activities, and
assessments
B. Student attendance list
C. A teacher’s hobbies
D. Classroom seating
arrangement
3. Which of the following is a key
characteristic of a teacher as a
facilitator?
A. Memorizing content
B. Giving long lectures
C. Promoting student-centered
learning
D. Supervising exams
4. what does documentation help
make visible?
A. School policies
B. Student learning and
thinking
C. Curriculum changes
D. Teacher salaries
5. Why is the teacher called a
“first responder”?
A. They answer phone calls first
B. They fix classroom furniture
C. They support students’
safety and emotional needs
D. Teacher salaries
6. The role where the teacher
leads by example, showing
students exactly how to act or
complete tasks.
7. This role involves creating
meaningful learning plans for the
day, week, or term
8. A teacher who guides, supports,
and encourages inquiry-based
learning in a student-centered
classroom
9. the teacher that focuses on
recording student learning and
making it visible
10. This long-term plan outlines
what students should learn over
the year
11-20. in 3-5 sentences, choose
one of the teacher roles discussed
and explain why you believe it is
the most important role in
supporting children’s play and
development
Thank
you!
