Kids in the age of Hope

Hi!
Well let me tell you what happened during and after Inauguration Day.

We watched the inauguration at our Center's multipurpose room. The children were free to play as usual and those that were interested in the event were allowed to sit and watch. I had seven children that stayed tuned pretty much the entire time. When PRESIDENT Obama was officially sworn in, two of my 4 year-olds meet each other in a joyful embrace. I had wonderful pictures depicting the tenderness of the moment.

Later we sat and asked the children what they had enjoyed most of the inauguration. Here are some of the answers:
"I liked the cello and the violin."
"President going up the steps, president's helicopter."
"To see the president on T.V."
"The parade."
"I like Obama's daughters."
"The dinner."
"When Barack became president."
“I liked the drums."
"His speech."

As you can see, the children do pay attention to these things. We can help them to better understand what is happening and put it into perspective for them. Indeed a teachable moment for all.

Another child made a drawing and said it was a letter for me. When I asked what the letter said, he replied: "Nilsa, I love you on this special day of Barack Obama. We're going to the gym right? To see him be president, like the boss?"

Another child made the White House out of Legos. He said to me: "The White House has an antenna so Obama and the girls can watch t.v. Also Michelle. Obama has a car and a driver to keep him safe."

So I hope you keep this momentum going. Do the right thing and tell me and others your stories.
Remember, keep smiling!
N.

Politics and the classroom

Hello again!

With just one day left before Inauguration day, I must confess that I feel a rush of emotions. The excitement is everywhere. It doesn’t matter if you are for or against the ideology of our new leader.

I don’t know about you, but I feel empowered to do more not only in my personal life but in my work field as well. I feel the need to be truly accountable for the wellbeing of my preschoolers. It is my responsibility to instill in my room a deep sense of what I’m feeling today, such as respect, trust, and hope of better changes to come, changes that will affect our field for the benefit of our young generations. A change of personal values that will make me reflect constantly on the kind of impact I have in my preschool room.

Definitely this is a great time to jump on the train and enjoy the ride to Unity, Love, and hard work in the name of a better country for our children. Surely after tomorrow some of my children will be at school talking about our by then President Barack Obama , and I will be ready to seize the moment as a teachable one. What will you do?

See you soon,
N.

Oh, the photo credit for the above image is available at: flickr.com/photos/51035766351@N01/400464603.
Thanks for sharing.

Bond with your preschoolers the fun way

I hope your first week back at school was as pleasant as mine. It was great to see the kids and how just a few weeks can make some of these children change, I mean mature in their character. Some of my kids just seemed to have really grown up during the holiday vacation. I think the trust in parents and teachers have much to do with this change. Knowing that their feelings of security, nurturing, and love will be met as soon as they enter the classroom.

For example, this past weekend I took the Amtrak train to Chicago to see a relative of mine. I took photos of snow falling on the frozen Chicago River, on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, on the mascot lions of the Chicago Art Institute, on the silver cloud structure of Millennium Park (the silver jelly bean) and on people ice skating in the park. Also more photos of places I went to eat, like Giordano’s pizzeria and Down Town Chicago Hot Dogs place, and Ghirardelli chocolate shop. Of course lots of photos of the sky scrapers.

A slide show was set up today, and the children loved to see my photos. They were interested in the snow, the lions, the people ice skating, the icy river and more. These picks had us talking about food, transportation, weather, art, sports, animals, geography and family. What I value most of all is that I got to share with them a little more about me, made the bonding between us stronger. So next time you do something fun bring back a little of it to your kids at school. They will feel closer to you and you will surely have more material to develop your lesson plans!

See you soon!

The serious side of Good Humor

Happy New Year to all!

Yes it is time for a new start in our goals, life resolutions with others and ourselves. I say, start the year off on the right foot. What better to make of your preschool room a safer, more comfortable, interesting and fun place to be?

Research shows, (and to me, common knowledge) that children perceive the emotional state of adults and react to it. This reaction can be positive or negative depending on the emotions. If you go to work overwhelmed by personal conflict in your life, the children can perceive it and feed off it. Chances are you will be snappy, and send a message of rejection to a child or children you are with. Also you can include the child’s family and your co-workers.

I know it is not easy at times; children and circumstances can make things difficult, but it is in our best interest as professional caregivers and teachers to provide a nurturing environment to all the people in our center.

One strategy that has worked for me for over thirty years is GOOD HUMOR. I swear by it. Having a positive, relaxed and fun outlook on life has saved my skin all these years. Even when dealing with parents or staff I keep things light and I try as much to be FLEXIBLE and find a common ground.

So this year, think about it, you’re just in time to begin a fun year for your kids and families, and what’s best, a fun year for yourself. See you soon and don’t forget to comment, suggest, and send information to this blog.

Remember: SMILE, LAUGH, AND BE HAPPY!!!!!