I’ve spent nearly two decades as an early childhood teacher teaching hundreds of students. Often, my preschool was the first time parents left their children. Building trust was a dance we did together. Student, parent, and teacher. The goal was to prepare each child for life beyond the preschool walls. Every parent loved their childContinue reading “Teach Our Children”
Tag Archives: parents
My White Skin
Each day I walk around in white skin enjoying the safety and privilege that entails. I did nothing to earn this, but I have benefited from it from the moment I was born. Those I love the deepest, my husband and daughters, are the most beautiful of black. One day my grandchildren willContinue reading “My White Skin”
Shake, Shake, Shake Your …
“Shake Dem Halloween Bones” by Mike Reed is a children’s book that combines colorful illustrations of children dressed in fairy tale costumes with a catchy chorus. “Shake, shake, shake dem bones now. Shake, shake, shake dem bones now. Shake, shake, shake dem bones at the hip hop Halloween Ball”. We read the book and singContinue reading “Shake, Shake, Shake Your …”
To TV or Not to TV?
I grew up before the internet, video games, cable TV and smart phones had been invented. My childhood electronics included a radio, alarm clock, record player, and television. I learned about the world from news my parents watched or from folded newspapers tossed on our porch in the sleepy hours of the morning. I wouldContinue reading “To TV or Not to TV?”
Building Bravery
Sam had both arms wrapped tightly around his mother as she opened the door on his first day of preschool. He took a quick peek at the classroom before seeking refuge behind her again. Sam knew his mom was going to leave. She’d been telling him for weeks how much fun he would have atContinue reading “Building Bravery”
My Lap
Tonight my daughter crawled into my lap. I could tell something was bothering her, but I’d learned that prying often led to her withdrawing like a turtle deep into a protective shell where I could not reach her. But tonight when the house was silent and dark she crawled into my lap. She is nineteenContinue reading “My Lap”
Outsmarting a Preschooler
One might think it would be easy to stay one step ahead of preschoolers. But don’t let their age fool you. It can take a lot of work to not be outsmarted by this wily and creative bunch. One morning Silas was having a difficult time keeping his body in his own space during circleContinue reading “Outsmarting a Preschooler”
Waiting for the Grown Ups
I rarely question the value of teaching. It’s something I have devoted my life to. Teaching hasn’t made me rich, because our society values money over kindness and power over people. I know this. I had merely forgotten. I guess I should be thankful I have been reminded. If you are happy with this pastContinue reading “Waiting for the Grown Ups”
These Hands
These hands with veins like aged snakes and wrinkles gray are getting old But once these hands were small and smooth and held a father’s hand. These hands have blocked the blows of man and faith that tried to confine. But the vastness in these hands cannot be caged. These hands have let go untilContinue reading “These Hands”
I See You
“Mom, come watch this video that’s going viral,” my daughter said. I watched the video of Chris Ulmer, an enthusiastic teacher, speaking directly to each student in his class. He had the youthful energy of a teacher still fresh with the notion that teachers can change lives. “You are funny.” “You are an amazing student,”Continue reading “I See You”