Interview with Autumn Rose Deason (Grades Teacher at Sebastopol Independent Waldorf Charter School; Currently in 3 rd Grade) 1). Many methods of teaching, along with a variety of activities, can enhance young children's positive socialization in an educational or home setting. Playing whole group games that focus on cooperation, rather than competition, engenders a sense of oneness that already exists within the young child. For example, instead of racing, young children can act as boats and challenge themselves to carry each other over "dangerous waters to reach safe harbors" or work as a team to rake up huge piles of leaves in which to take turns jumping. Teaching through telling stories/poems in a large circle is also effective in developing a sense of belonging and purpose. In my class, I elicit and use student suggestions for gestures to accompany our songs/poems/word work. When we practice each day, there is a sense of both individual and group ownership of our presentations. 2.)Teachers, acting as the natural and needed authority within a group of children, serve as a moral compass for children. Modeling equanimity is of special importance as the children's emotions, actions, and words swirl around him/her. A teacher sends a powerful message of nurturing and safety when she affixes herself as the center of a wheel that the children can flow smoothly around, as opposed to running around and putting out the flames of conflict. Of equal importance is the teacher's role as a giver of unconditional love. Each day, the teacher can begin again with the knowledge that her reception of and reflection back of each child's innate desire to do good, will help to build a foundation of confidence in him/her. Also of note, is the teacher's role as a mirror, rather than a cheerleader. Children need specific feedback or questions such as, "You used a lot of blue in your work, "Were you in a hurry to finish? What happens when you rush?" "What is your favorite part of your writing? Picture? Why?" Also, employing overused terms such as good job, that's great, and awesome, to reward something as simple as finishing something can create praise junkies while eroding a child's own sense of self worth. Therefore, the teacher's role vacillates between the silent objective observer and the loving mother whose loving arms or warm gaze sends a message that it's okay to be oneself. 3.) What is the best thing about being a teacher? All of it! The freshness, innocence, laughter, surprises, sadness, conflicts solved, forgiveness given, insights shared, and humanity played out in a new way day after day.