Seems like just yesterday I wrote about Princess daughter going to all-day kindergarten every day and what would I do with "all" that time. I've managed to find a few things to do and not to do, and now, we're about a week out from completing kindergarten.
Princess daughter had a great year. She learned to read, write, add, tell time, and identify which containers are recyclable, but she's learned so much more about life - about getting along with people who don't look like her, act like her or think like her. She's learning to navigate the rough waters of life with other people. So there really is something to that saying about life and kindergarten.
I spent a lot of time in Princess daughter's classroom. Those sweet children that hugged me every time I passed through the door, the little ones who begged to join Princess daughter and me for lunch are growing up just like her. Soon they won't give a hug; they won't even look my way.
But I realized a new mission for "all" my time. Part of the reason Princess daughter was at this school at this time was so I could be one more caring adult in the lives of these little ones - read to them, check out their library books, help make their parties a ton of fun, invite them to join us when parents didn't come to the Thanksgiving feast, praise their playground feats at recess, and freely give a hug and encouraging word. And it was in kindergarten this year that I learned so much, too.
Princess daughter had a great year. She learned to read, write, add, tell time, and identify which containers are recyclable, but she's learned so much more about life - about getting along with people who don't look like her, act like her or think like her. She's learning to navigate the rough waters of life with other people. So there really is something to that saying about life and kindergarten.
I spent a lot of time in Princess daughter's classroom. Those sweet children that hugged me every time I passed through the door, the little ones who begged to join Princess daughter and me for lunch are growing up just like her. Soon they won't give a hug; they won't even look my way.
But I realized a new mission for "all" my time. Part of the reason Princess daughter was at this school at this time was so I could be one more caring adult in the lives of these little ones - read to them, check out their library books, help make their parties a ton of fun, invite them to join us when parents didn't come to the Thanksgiving feast, praise their playground feats at recess, and freely give a hug and encouraging word. And it was in kindergarten this year that I learned so much, too.
Posts
4 comments:
What a fulfilling way to serve! So touching. I hope to be very involved in the same way when my girls enter school. Mom told me Princess Daughter was making change at your yard sale? Unbelievable! I also heard she exhibited great marketing skills as well. You and my brother are teaching her well! :)
Yes, and she also twirled right into her lemonade stand and knocked it over! I'm glad you're really beginning to have fun with the girls. At least for me, the fun really started at 3.5 and got better ever since. Age 5 was the absolute best! It's all uphill from here (until they become a teen, I hear!) Thanks for the compliments.
Thanks for doing such a great job with my granddaughter.
Hey Susan... I just read your last blog entry. It was like reading exactly how I feel. My kids are in a progressive school that allows me to be there to help or just to watch any time I want. And what joy it is to have the kids come over to me when they need help or need a hug. And my daughter is now 12, and I have been able to enjoy time with her class even at this age. I feel so lucky that at 12, Madelyn and her friends still like to sit with me on the train ride to New York for school trips. If you stay involved, the kids seem to stay involved with you! Best of luck with 1st grade for Olivia! Robin
Post a Comment