Yesterday was the last school day of the year at one of my jobs...at Mothers Day Out. This little pack of kiddos is so adorable and we will really miss them. Some are going on to other schools, some are moving up to the next age group class down the hall. It's just never quite the same even if we see them next year. They may remember us, they may not...I'd like to think that as time goes on, they'll remember some silly song, a verse or a letter or color that we talked about way back in preschool.
They prepared for their end of year program for weeks. The older kids graduating, the pre-k kids are at the top step, the middle step is the primary kids and our toddler class is on the bottom step.
As you can see, there are all kinds of personalities here: playful jokesters, mischievous little troublemakers, cheesy grinners, pleasantly obedient ones, grumpy faced pouts, not sure what's going on ones. They all are sweet natured critters....love them so much.
Here are all my little lunch dates. It was messy, noisy, crazy and fun. Oh the conversations we had!
My friend, sister and reason I came to Mothers Day Out for Molly years ago...Miss Debbie. She is a true joy to work with, a ray of sunshine and a very upbeat person who always made my days fun. We will be back at work for Summer Session soon and Molly will be able to join me. We're very excited.
Friendships were made on the playground. We lived for those sunny dry days that they could run, jump, play, scream and yell all they wanted without being told to be quiet. They burned enough energy to electrify a small town for a week.
Moments like this melt my heart and give me hope for our future. Just be nice and help one another when you can.
Teaching them to sit quietly and listen is harder than you may think.
Making the new girl feel welcome.
Tough guys wearing aprons, scarves...
and UT football jerseys.
Robin Hood and Doc McStuffins...
Struggling with a horse costume...and another just took his off.
Our little UT player and Woody the Cowboy.
Mickey Mouse minus the ears and a chef minus the floppy hat.
Little punkin toodle and a yellow minion.
It was good to see Molly's old tricycle and car being used again.
Can you see the wings? He wanted to be a "firefly." How clever and funny they can be.
Our sweet boys! Awwww.......
We played and played...
Many times we couldn't catch them. This little pacifier cutie went from diapers to fully potty trained before the year was up. Very independent kid.
Wild imaginations at play.
I never intended to work with kids back when I was in school. It never entered my mind. I was going to be a graphic designer for the rest of my life. Then a little child entered our lives, changed our world, and my calling was found. I can't imagine working in any other field...or shall I say playground.
There are days when the noise level is so loud I just want to go home and sit in total silence. There are days when I wonder if I am making a difference at all. Do I actually help my coworkers? Do I teach these kids anything? Does my being here matter? Is it ok that I get really sad when I realize I won't see these kids anymore or not as often? Am I doing this right? I guess if we get them back to their parents without any real bumps, gashes or bruises, it's a good day. If we can get them to hold their right hand over their hearts while muttering the Pledge of Allegiance...the meaning of which makes no sense to them yet. Some kids just want to talk to someone who is really listening to them. Some kids just want to do their own thing and never speak to us. Either way, we need to do our best to fulfill their individual needs and skill level expectations. All kids are different, their talents and inabilities, likes and dislikes are different. Some are quiet, like butterflies...some are reckless like airborne bowling balls. They amaze me. Their potentials are newly tapped and endless if we give them the chances they deserve.
Treat a kid with the same respect you'd give the adult they will one day become.
I hope they remember us. I'll never forget them.
