Ines Kristan Trampuž is, although not related, the favorite aunt of many children, whom she accompanied in their first years all the way to school. One of the best educators of Waldorf pedagogy has been working in the Boo boo private care for the last few years, while at the same time studying psychosocial assistance. She prefers to read classic and folk tales to her children, but she also prefers hunting experiences in nature with them.
The first days of kindergarten can be very stressful for the child and parents. Do you have any tips for parents on how to deal with this to make it easier?
I believe that the most important thing is for parents to have confidence in the teacher they bring their child to. When parents have concerns and doubts about how the child will be, whether the educator will be able to comfort him, when there is uncertainty among the parents, it can be difficult for the child. Namely, the child imitates the parent's inner well-being. Before enrolling, I advise that the parents and the child get to know the teacher, so that the child comes to a familiar environment, to a familiar "aunt". This helps a lot.
What do you think is the first quality of a successful teacher?
I think that the basic condition is joy, joy for life. If something makes you happy, it is an obvious exchange of energies. If this is not the case, you should never work with children. Being an educator is a responsible job. It's not a job you come to because you messed up a bit in your studies and you're there for forty years - because that's not just your punishment, it's the punishment of all the children who are with you.
What memories do you have of your preschool days?
I myself went to a classical kindergarten and I have the best memories of that time of my childhood and of my teacher. I remember my teacher for her cheerfulness, smile and sense of humor. This is probably also to blame for the fact that I found myself in the role of an educator. I trained as a Waldorf educator, because this pedagogy is a little closer to me, as it sincerely digs into the child as an individual. Not all children are always the same. Otherwise, this pedagogy comes from the fact that children are creatures of nature, there is a great connection with nature.
How does connection with nature manifest itself in practice in your care?
During the harvest, for example, the children and I will grind wheat grains into flour and bake bread from them. We are not afraid of any weather and when it rains, we dress appropriately and most look forward to jumping in puddles. We go into the forest, outside the landscaped and fenced playground, explore the bushes, observe the animals. I try to give the children as many experiences as possible, there will be enough time at school to open their heads and develop their intellect.
What kind of passport are you trying to give to the children in your care?
My colleague and I try to be a role model for good work habits, a respectful attitude towards fellow human beings, nature and all living things. I hope I'm doing well. The result of my work can only be seen in twenty years.
What does Aunt Ines do in her spare time when she is not with the children?
While working, I am currently studying psychosocial assistance. I believe that the profession of an educator will always be my favorite job, but at the same time I am aware that the time will come when I will no longer have so much energy and then I will be able to work in the field of counseling. That way, my work will still be able to relate to people, but on a different level.
Is there any time left to relax?
I relax with my daughter, husband and friends. I try to spend as much time as possible outside the four walls, my husband has an organic farm, so we are connected to nature from all sides. Otherwise, I have a great interest in my fellow human beings, I like to socialize, and even the days spent with the children do not tire me so much that I need something to relax every day. If you do something with your heart, you live it with joy.
