My Kindergarten Days...

It's been since November when I last posted so Happy New Year!  With every passing year things change, life advances whether you want it to or not.  This past year my Wyatt started kindergarten.  It was hard to let him go as he is my baby, but a Mommy has to do what a Mommy has to do.  Wyatt is the youngest, thus the hardest to part with, I believe.

As he has entered into the world of elementary school, I have seen an opportunity for myself to be involved more than ever before.  I decided to volunteer in his class.  I really did not know what to expect as I never did this for my oldest, but I wanted to give it a try.  I can honestly say I am glad I did as it has been one of the most rewarding experiences I may have had to date.  Mind you, I was never cut out to be a teacher and I know this and am sure of this, but I always secretly wished I had considered teaching a bit more than I did when I was back in college.  It was not meant to be, but I am certainly getting a taste (although a tiny taste) of it now and I get to do so with my own son involved.  Priceless. 

On the days I am scheduled to go into the classroom, I come in and the teacher is normally reading a book to the class.  I am always amazed how they all sit still and listen!!  That takes power and control and I am certain it takes a very special person to accomplish it.  But, when I walk in they all blow me a kiss and thank me for coming, talk about your heart melting!!

After the book we get to center time and I am assigned a group of kids to work with.  It always strikes me when I see our future in these little eyes-- even if some of them are crying because they cannot remember their sight words or the wondering look of when lunch is.  Their problems are so small, their innocence so vivid to me. To watch them grow and learn just a bit more each time I come is amazing to me. 

I am, for some reason, always assigned to the messy table (ie paint, glue etc.) and at first it was overwhelming, but as time passed I certainly have learned how their little minds work and that part has gotten easier.  However, to listen to them learn to read and watch them writing their first words and adding their first numbers--it is something special.

Then I think, if only I could bottle them up and keep them little and so impressionable forever, but life moves forward and leaves no one behind.  I am so happy to have such an opportunity to spend such quality time with this little group of 5 year olds this school year, it is so easy to get attached to them and the unique personality they each possess.   

However, maybe this is all because I get to leave after an hour!!! 

Hats off to teachers, any teacher, this is the most important job anyone can have, but I think the rewards have the potential to outweigh it all.