Two children that are normally friends were having a very heated discussion in block center this morning. It started out fine; they were playing nicely and using kind words with each other. They were both engaged in the materials. Suddenly their voices got louder and one of them got so angry, she hit her friend. If I hadn't intervened, it would have turned into a fist fight. What was so important? They were arguing over whether a horse said "Neigh" or "whicker." I'm sure we all wish our problems were so small!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Different season, same kids
I'm sure some of you heard about Tropical Storm Andrea coming through recently. Thankfully, we didn't get much except for a few thunderstorms.
Before I continue, I have to tell you about this kid that joined us in February. He's gotten better, but he literally does the opposite of everything you tell him to do. If he's already on his way to wash his hands and someone reminds him that when he does, he'll be able to eat/play, he'll stop and turn around. If we tell him to stay on his mat during quiet time, he'll try to run around the room. One of the biggest problems we have is getting him to come inside after being outdoors. We warn him, we hold his hand, and this tactic usually works. Lately he's been really good about coming inside on his own.
So, tropical storm Andrea. After ten minutes of being outside, it started to rain. It wasn't a big deal until the rain came down harder and we could hear thunder. Everyone was in line except...yep. That kid. He retreated to the structure, wrapped in a towel, and didn't move. I told my assistant to take the others inside while I talked to him. I approached slowly, as someone would approach a wild animal or a skittish rabbit. Thankfully, he didn't bolt. I told him to come inside and he said, "But I'm cold!"
That's right; he didn't come in from the rain because he was cold. I have a lot of work to do with him.
Before I continue, I have to tell you about this kid that joined us in February. He's gotten better, but he literally does the opposite of everything you tell him to do. If he's already on his way to wash his hands and someone reminds him that when he does, he'll be able to eat/play, he'll stop and turn around. If we tell him to stay on his mat during quiet time, he'll try to run around the room. One of the biggest problems we have is getting him to come inside after being outdoors. We warn him, we hold his hand, and this tactic usually works. Lately he's been really good about coming inside on his own.
So, tropical storm Andrea. After ten minutes of being outside, it started to rain. It wasn't a big deal until the rain came down harder and we could hear thunder. Everyone was in line except...yep. That kid. He retreated to the structure, wrapped in a towel, and didn't move. I told my assistant to take the others inside while I talked to him. I approached slowly, as someone would approach a wild animal or a skittish rabbit. Thankfully, he didn't bolt. I told him to come inside and he said, "But I'm cold!"
That's right; he didn't come in from the rain because he was cold. I have a lot of work to do with him.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Saying Goodbye
Last night was bittersweet. We had our end-of-year party and there were multiple parents crying and thanking all of us, telling us how much they appreciate us. I was able to look on the faces of some kids that have driven me crazy all year and think, "They really have come a long way." I looked at some who I thought I wouldn't see again after a few weeks and told them how proud I was of them. Their funding runs out at the end of June. Wait, what's that? They're getting comped for the summer? You mean I have to put up with them until August? NOOOO! Well, I guess I have three more months to make sure they're ready for kindergarten.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Pitchoo!
We've had a lot of rain and pollen this year, so runny noses are running rampant along with sneezes and coughing. Of course, even after multiple lessons about germs, the children still wipe their noses on their sleeves and the other teachers and I started to get the sniffles. After one particularly violent sneeze by me, one of the children said, "Amy! You pitchood!"
