PE and Poo-Week One

Week one began with a roomful of overly eager 4 & 5 year olds and extremely emotional parents. Quite understandable since their "babies" are finally entering kindergarten. After many tissues and reassuring words that we would love and protect their little ones, my aide and I were left alone to begin our new school year.
It wasn't long before my phone rang and a concerned mom was on the other end. Apparently her little girl had swallowed a plastic game piece the prior night and she was concerned it might come out in her (quote) poo and I might want to keep watch. Yes, my first day I had poo duty, no pun intended! I was grateful she didn't have any issues at school and no restroom problems!
Day two came with the anticipation of our first PE class. That's always a favorite of the kids, but this year we have "fresh meat," a brand new PE teacher just out of college. He'd done his student teaching with older children, and was clueless as to how little ones operate. Needless to say the first part of class was utter chaos and poor Mr. New Teacher was terrorized by a band of over stimulated kids who saw all and heard nothing! Balls flying, kids flying, and an sos call to my aide and the music teacher for help. Yes, he got broken in nicely, but we had to have a major post conversation about appropriate behavior in gym class from now on.
One of my highlights of the week came from this tiny, curly headed blonde girl that I've been loving on for two prior years. We have a half day early start program for 3&4 year old children. Three year olds can enter the program if they have language/developmental delays. When this little one started two years ago, she immediately caught my eye. Something about her reminded me of my middle granddaughter and she was very needy. My heart just melted and for the past two years I've been loving on her and stealing hugs. When we were doing class lists I was adamant she would be in my class. Is she bright, well behaved and the ideal student? No, but she stole my heart years ago and we will have an awesome year of academic growth! Today she came up to me, hugged me and asked, "Will you be my pretend mommy at school?" *Tears* My year was just made.

Wanna See My Woody?

I've been working on a more serious blog topic this week, but have instead found my mind wandering. Tonight a commercial came on that reminded me of a funny kid story.

Several years ago I taught 5th grade, collaborating with our special needs teacher and students for the majority of the day. We had one young man that was severely delayed academically and socially, but was a joy to all he encountered. This particular morning he came to my desk and proceeded to ask me, "Wanna see my woody?" Positive I had misunderstood, I politely asked him to repeat the question only to get the same result. Admit it, your mind is no better than mine and holding back immature chuckles, I decided to ask him where it was since he hadn't brought anything with him. He promptly replied, "In my pocket." At this point his aide decided to leave me alone with this as he walked to the other side of the classroom suppressing laughter. Knowing that Anthony's question was innocent and he was incapable of lewd acts, I told him I'd love to see his woody, at which point he pulls out of his pocket a miniature figure of Woody from the Toy Story movie. I'm certainly glad my hunch was correct, but the story has given us many laughs over the years.

Tears For J

I was extremely disheartened to learn of the violent murder of two former students' father; gunned down in his own driveway where his children live. I could focus on the fact that their dad was a long time career criminal, violent history and capable of abuse, but what's the point? He's gone.

Instead my mind, heart and tears are for his two sons I had the privilege of working with as they attended school. The oldest, unfortunately has chosen a path similar to his father's and I pray that something will enlighten him that the chances of him becoming just another "statistic" are inevitable unless he begins to make wiser choices. Little J is still at my school and my hope for him is that he didn't lose all of his innocence last night as horrible events transpired in front of his big brown eyes. I'm remembering my last hug with him on June 3rd, my final words to him, "have a nice summer, J." Those words haunt me now, my tears flowing as I wonder how many more children are experiencing something other than a "nice" summer. I can't single handedly save the world, but I can assure that Little J will have a little extra attention, help and someone to watch over him the seven hours he's in our care. We already have a positive student/teacher relationship and I intend to make sure he knows everyday someone cares.

I don't profess to have all the answers, but I do realize the importance of positive relationships with children, our future, and regardless of how they look, behave or react they are worthy of our investment. Even if it's something as simple as a kind word, hug, smile or an ear to listen.

Have You Talked To Your Child Today?

Inevitably when conferencing with parents about their child's academic progress, one of the first questions I am asked is, “What can I do to help my child?” I could go through a list of data proven strategies creating massive confusion by the end of our conference, but over the years I've come to the realization that one of the best resources available is conversation. That's right! Talk to your child. Judging by the lack of verbal skills in many kindergärtners that enter my class each year, I've become increasingly convinced and concerned that many children have grown up with “technology” babysitters and have had little to no significant communication with parents and other adults in their lives. What a travesty to our children.
As a mother of two, now grown sons that I singlehandedly raised for many years, held a full time job and juggled the finances alone, I do understand the difficulty in finding time to have engaging conversations daily with the children. Making use of “dead” time is one way to make this happen without having to rearrange schedules. Dead time refers to the countless minutes spent standing in line at stores driving in the car and yes, even dinner time. Be creative with your conversations. When standing in line ask your child, “How many people are in front of us? Let's count.” Look at the shape of items or discuss the color of things. In the car look for letters on signs, pictures for sounds, watch for different animals and discuss their habitats-where they live, or count things you see. Use vocabulary words appropriate for the conversation and explain what they mean. Vocabulary is one of the five essential components in developing proficient readers and you will be amazed at how quickly they begin to transfer knowledge gained from these conversations into other appropriate settings. Our children are precious gifts, not to be ignored, but nurtured into thriving adults. Even with our busy schedules it is imperative we take the time to interact with them in positive ways; times other than when they are in trouble

Comfort in the Sky

When my mind grows weary and I want to cry,
I look out my window to find comfort in the sky.
I pick a star to hold in my hand,
While you're out at sea and I'm here on land.
For I know that as you gaze into the night,
It's the same stars we see within our sight.
A smile crosses my lips as I utter your name,
Knowing that you're out there feeling the same.
While the days seem long and the nights even longer,
My heart only feels the love growing stronger.
So when I get lonely inside and start to cry,
I look out the window and find comfort in the sky.

Memories

Memories.....

as the dust finally settles

peering thru the haze

watching the images

of bygone days.

a time when hearts soared,

like an eagle in flight

a time when there was solace

in the dark, quiet night.

where they drifted to,

one cannot be sure,

lost innocence, changed,

into thoughts impure.

"when did this occur,'

the soul screams in despair

"what happened to trusting

and someone who cared?'

as the images fade

into infinite space,

the memories subside

soon leaving no trace.....

Facebook Creeping

Yes, I admit I sometimes creep facebook to check on my sons, but yesterday the surprise was on me because I found this as my oldest son's status. Brought tears to my eyes....

Shawn Owens: My mom is the strongest person in the world. I have watched her make it thru so many things and just keep on moving!! That's my hero!! I don't know where I'd be without her!! Love u momma Debi Harris-Owens