teaching

Teach Our Children

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”

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 …”

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”

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”

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”

A is for Acceptance

Stephan flung open the door in his usual grand entrance style. The huge grin on his face couldn’t have been any wider. Each day he came ready to rock his preschool day. It wasn’t until I looked down at his feet that I noticed something different. On one foot Stephan was wearing an almost kneeContinue reading “A is for Acceptance”

Rainbow-Colored Santa

I don’t remember a time I didn’t want to teach. Teaching is woven into every part of my being. I was a young girl before the invention of the internet, smart phones and video games so I had to figure out how to entertain myself. Summers were spent gathering my seven brothers and sisters andContinue reading “Rainbow-Colored Santa”