[Pico Nursery Teacher Real Life #02] Sharing "Fun" with Children and Adults Alike | 12th Year, Marina-sensei

An interview series with active nursery teachers working at the Pico Nursery Group

#02 Pico Nursery Wadabori Park, Assistant Head Nursery Teacher, Marina Goto
12-year career as a nursery teacher. Transferred from another nursery.

--- First, please introduce yourself.

My name is Marina Goto. This is my 12th year as a nursery teacher. This is my 7th year at the Wadabori nursery. I have been serving as the assistant head teacher since January of this year, and I am currently the homeroom teacher for the 4-year-old class.

--- Please tell us what you are proud of about the Pico Nursery Wadabori Park where you currently work!

I think a major appeal of this nursery is that we have staff from a wide range of age groups. We get new ideas from the younger teachers, and there is an environment where we can immediately consult with experienced seniors when we are troubled. The fact that staff of various generations mix together to practice fun and diverse childcare every day is what I am most proud of!

--- Please tell us why you chose "Kaze no Mori".

The biggest reason is that I was attracted to the fact that there are more staff members assigned than the standard requirements. At the nursery where I worked before, there were times when we were short-staffed, and I felt frustrated because I had to let go of the buds of moments when children thought, "I want to do this now!" Here (at Kaze no Mori), because the staff has more leeway, we can enjoy the "now" moments of the children without missing them. I chose this place because I thought it was an environment where I could face the children with peace of mind.

--- What kind of childcare are you keeping in mind now?

It is to cherish the children's feelings of "I want to do this," "I wonder how this works," and "This looks interesting." I want to be close to that curiosity, play together, and have fun together. I value sharing the moments when their hearts move, the surprises of "This is fun" and "I wonder why," more than anything else.

--- Is that childcare going well?

I think it is... going well! When a child invites me to "do this together," I always try to respond with all my might. I feel rewarded every day by being able to research and play together and share those moments.

--- What kind of person is the nursery director?

When a nursery teacher proposes, "I want to try this," she is someone who always watches over us warmly, saying, "Why not?" or "That sounds fun!" Because of that trust, we also have the courage to say, "Let's try it" or "I think I can do my best." She is a wonderful person who gives us new ideas, shows us things that can be hints or related materials, and creates an environment where we can find "fun" together and where it is easy to take on challenges.

--- How is the atmosphere at the workplace?

Everyone is cheerful, and communication is very easy. During lunch breaks and rest times, it is a very friendly workplace where we can talk freely not only about happy events and ideas in childcare but also about private matters.

--- If you are aiming to become a nursery teacher from now on, what should you do?

Hand games and piano skills are of course important, but I think the most important thing is to cultivate "listening skills." If you have the ability to listen honestly not only to your own thoughts but also to the opinions of those around you, you will be helped when you are in trouble, and it will also be a trigger for creating better childcare as a team. Also, just like children, if you have "curiosity" and "ability to act" to be interested in various things and move to action immediately, childcare should become even more fun!

--- Finally, please tell us the appeal of the nursery teacher's job.

It is the place where you can share all the emotions of children, such as "I did it," "This is fun," and "I'm frustrated," at the closest distance. You can share the joy of every moment not only with the children but also with their fathers, mothers, and fellow teachers. I think that is the greatest appeal of the job of a nursery teacher.