My hands are covered in streaks of marker, which will probably take days to wash off. The reason for it: I did the one thing I always said I'd never do. I became a teacher for the day.
It wasn't really my choice. But I was there, and I had a job to do. I had to keep six 4 year olds happy, for six hours. It seemed a bit overwhelming, but it was easier than I thought.
We had circle time, and davening. I had no idea what I was doing, but the kids came to my rescue. They led me through the process step by step. Coincidentially, the kids who so kindly told me what had to be done also wanted to do the job. But I had to be fair, and make sure each kid got a turn.
Snack time, free play, gym, dancing, lunch, naptime, playground, arts-n-crafts. The key to it all was to stretch each as activity, make it last for as long as you could. Oh, and bathroom is an activity too.
Before I knew it, the day was over, and six kids were going home with smiles on their faces. Hopefully, I had something to do with it.
I never thought of 4 year olds as people, until today. These kids have such character! They talk, they laugh, they play, and they fight just as good as kids twice their age. Now I'm trying to remember what I ever had against teaching.
But it's easier with little kids. It's so easy to please them, and keep them happy. I really enjoyed it, though I doubt I'll make a habit of it.
I got roped into the job till the end of the week. Despite cutting into my vacation time, I think I'll be happy to do it. Seeing these kids with smiles on their faces makes me feel so good inside.
My hands are covered with marker, I came home today with an ice cream sunday, (made out of salt colored with chalk) and I'm already thinking up something whacky to do with them tomorrow. To hear these kids call me Morah, and know that they need me, is the greatest feeling in the world. (I like the sound of 'Morah Altie', it has a nice ring to it.) And this job is a way better time to spend my vacation than just doing nothing.
I was a teacher for the day. And all I can say is, wow! Who knew?
I know the feeling. I was a camp counselor for 5 years. There is nothing like the feeling of seeing all those happy faces after a long fun day.
ReplyDeleteNext time, sing songs with them, kids love that.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest is 3 and he's already a person. Once they start speaking, it's a different world.
lol. i cant sing for the life of me. by circle time they had all these songs, i couldnt even figure out the tune, from the way they were singing it. i just mouthed along, and made believe i knew it.
ReplyDeletebut its so weird identifying a child as its own entity. i always used to see them as an extention of their parents
You don't need to sing their regular songs, you can sing the ones you know.
ReplyDeleteIn elementary, I always got As in music class, for singing very loud...
"Sing like no one's listening"
thats my favorie line in one of my poems. well, since ill be there tomorrow, maybe ill try it. ill let u know if the kids get scared off by my voice. ;)
ReplyDeletebtw, is this a day care and where and how much?
ReplyDelete:)
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, they LOVE you! Sara'le came home singing your praises :).
Markers are washable... usually just soap and water ;).
I love that class... I taught them last year, and two of those kids were in my class for two years! They definitely have personality!
With regards to singing... I think I must take the blame... I can't sing very well and tunes don't really make sense to me, but I taught them most of the songs they know... Matti used to cover her ears when I sang :D.
Anyhow, glad you had as much fun as they did. O, and they were so excited about the ice cream sundaes!
i loved it too! and it was deinitly a good experiance. but i had goldie calling me asking me what my plans for next year were. no, i dont want to teach, despite how cute they were. i even had an arts n crafts ready for friday, but then i didnt come. too bad.
ReplyDelete