the boy who doesn’t know how to play with blocks

One of my developmentally delayed sweethearts is a little boy who knows all the letters, and a lot of sounds. He knows numbers, colors, shapes, and that sort of thing. It’s obvious that he has difficulty with verbal communication — he will repeat what Read More...

free boots and mittens fall out of the sky

During morning meeting today, the phone rang, and it was for me. My Americorps volunteer took over with the class, while I talked to a woman from a non-profit organization. I applied for a grant there earlier in the fall, for bus money and outdoor clothing Read More...

take a few steps forward, take a few steps backward

I haven’t named any of my students so far this year, with the exception of Little One with her large personality, so it is high time. I will start telling tales about this year’s class, and will name them all after colors. When I arrived this morning, Read More...

take a deep breath

Thanksgiving weekend is over, and tomorrow I throw myself back into the dramatic, lively, noisy world of preschool. I haven’t done my lesson plan yet, so I have to go in early. If I arm myself with a big cup of coffee, I will be fine. Here are some things Read More...

on sharing, the little red hen, and teachers

There is a new teacher teaching the afternoon class this year. She is young, determined, and confident. I had hoped to develop a mentoring relationship with her, but she doesn’t seem interested. Which is completely fine. She doesn’t have much overlap Read More...

Why being a preschool teacher is great

1. You get to wear silly hats. 2. You get to do things like wear purple every day for a week (it’s Purple Week!). 3. It’s never blood on your hands; it’s always marker. 4. Hugs. Lots of them. 5. You get to read awesome, funny books out loud every day. Read More...