Getting to Know You

This time a year ago, I was preparing for Mr. Kasco to return from a deployment. Living in a military community, these comings and goings become routine for so many young children, but one child made me feel so special. During lunch, he and I were discussing how I would not be at school the next day since Mr. Kasco would be coming home. This wonderful boy got the attention of the whole class and made the announcement of Mr. Kasco's return and let everyone know how happy he was for me. His joy was so pure and genuine that my heart grew a bit more. I will always think of him when I need a smile and even in the event that Mr. Kasco has to depart again, I know he will come back and I am sure my student will still be excited for me. 

When thinking of words that inspire me, I almost always go straight to ones that have to do with play. As adults, we often forget this basic fundamental for young children. I have been fortunate enough to work in a couple of environments that cherish these early years and the important role play has in them. This quote from Albert Einstein is one of the greatest ones because it puts on play in a term that adults can understand and value. As a preschool teacher I can tell the parents of my students how important play is as well as the value it holds for each child but when it comes to them understanding it can become difficult. When a child plays he/she is learning to problem solve, take risk, use the scientific method, as well as many other lessons. When my son was in pre-kindergarten, he would come home and I would ask about his day and he would say "I played all day". Unfortunately, I did not take it for its value at the time. Yes, he was learning but for his little four year old brain he was playing. 

I do not have many pictures of a younger me, but this is one that is dear to my heart. I am on my way to my first time at Girl Scout Camp. I was about 7 or 8 years old and so excited to do something my older sisters had done. Of course, my week at camp did not go without a few hiccups and quite the bout of homesickness. I made it through and went back for many more summers. I always think back on my years at camp when I am trying to recall a fun song to sing with my students, so this moment is quite valuable to me. 

Pete the Cat will always hold a very special place in my life for many reasons. While I have many children's books that I truly adore, Pete the Cat is always there as a constant for all my students. When I worked in a child care setting, I had one child with a few special needs but Pete was his incentive to do well. If he was having a rough day Pete the Cat would be turned on to help him out. The next year I was at a private pre-school with new students and Pete was still there for me. One day I spent the majority of center time in the library area reading Pete the Cat over and over. I encouraged my students to "read" but many insisted he/she could not. I would get the part of the book with the singing and let them take over and each would get so excited about reading. In my current position, Pete made an appearance on the first day of school by calming a child's new school nerves. Not many children's books make the reappearances over and over for me but Pete the Cat is the one that I will never let go; plus, I have all the shoes to coordinate with him.

Now that you know a bit about me, share something about yourself. What is your favorite book? Do you have special memories with a certain student? Do you have embarrassing young childhood moments? What words inspire you? 

Resources: https://www.askideas.com/62-beautiful-playing-quotes-and-sayings/play-is-the-highest-form-of-research-albert-einstein-2/

Litton, E., & Dean, J. (2010). Pete the cat:I love my white shoes (1st HarperCollins ed.). New York: Harper  

http://www.elc.udel.edu/admissions/registration/wait-list/your-turn/