One water week was long enough!
Posted by: mscaroline on: 07/01/2009
- In: 1| Thoughts Today
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So last week was water week and originally I when I started looking for ideas I thought wow, why not do more than one water week, after all it is summer and extremely hot and there are plenty of ideas to work with. . . but after one day and definitely after five I was very glad we kept it at one week. It was exhausting! The kids had a good time for the most part but not everyone brought bathing suits everyday so we had some kids that had to change clothes and then dry their clothes in the sun. We had some naked three year olds almost every day who could wait to get their wet bathing suits off so they took them off and streaked down the hall. We had a couple of kids who were afraid of water or afraid of getting dirty or water in their eyes and we had to find a way to entertain them and keep them from the other children who inevitably would get them wet or dirty or upset them in one way or another. For a supposedly “easy” summer activity week, it was not so easy. I think if I do this again next year I would do a couple of things differently.
1) I would advertise it early and often. Let the parents know it’s coming by email and backpack mail not only that week but the weeks leading up to it.
2) Towels: ask parents to donate lots of old towels
3) More helpers, ask parents to volunteer.
4) Have all the parents send more than one change of clothes.
5) make a list of rules for the kids including wait till you get to the bathroom to change your clothes!
What a week. It was fun but there are just a couple of things I learned from this experience that I will make sure to do different next time. 
Sharing the not-so-successful ideas. . .
Posted by: mscaroline on: 06/21/2009
I was talking to my very wise husband this morning who is a regular and avid blogger himself and he asked me how my blog was coming. I shrugged my shoulders and said, “Eh. I haven’t felt like I’ve had a lot that’s been interesting enough to blog about.” Then he asked me if I’ve been sharing what I’ve been doing with the kids and I said, “No because I feel like some of what I’ve done in the past couple of weeks hasn’t been the most successful and I’m a little ashamed because many of my activities have been very teacher-centered (i.e. lots of prep or additions done by adults.) and I always told myself I wouldn’t do that.” The activities that have worked the best have been the ones that are simple and completely involve the children. However when I told him that he mentioned that not everything I post about has to be perfect and that I can use my learnings in my blog posts. So that’s what I’m going to try to do. That’s what my next couple of posts are going to be about not only my successes but also my learnings from the activities that weren’t so successful. Also I think I’m going to put in all caps in my plan book, “KEEP IT SIMPLE!!!!” I might actually pay attention.
Teamwork, Teamwork
Posted by: mscaroline on: 06/15/2009
So my kids have been singing a little song that they made up (I think? Or maybe it something they are copying it from television but I like to think they made it up) and it’s just “teamwork, teamwork” over and over again while they are doing something together. It’s very cute. Speaking of teamwork. I am trying really hard to delegate some of the work to my assistants. I’m realizing that I can’t do it all.
My first week was difficult. I was a little shocked just how difficult it was. However, my good friend reminded me that there are several new kids moving up into the classroom, new schedule, new teachers, and new assistants. So of course it’s going to be a little chaotic. This past week was much better just because both the new kids and the new teacher and new assistants understood a little better what to expect. At the end of last week I was really worried about the next week but now I’m excited and ready for anything. I feel my confidence coming back. Now I’ve just got to remember to delegate and use the “teamwork, teamwork” song and maybe I won’t be so exhausted at the end of the day. hmm, although that may just be wishful thinking. 
Head Teacher in charge!
Posted by: mscaroline on: 05/30/2009
Wow, so I haven’t posted in a really long time mostly because I’ve been preparing for this day! It was my last day as preschool assistant! On Monday I step into the role of lead teacher. I am so excited. I’ve been planning for this day for so long and now it’s finally here. It was the last day of the spring semester and the official school year. Monday starts the first summer session which basically means that it’s (supposed to be) a more fun relaxed attitude. There are three themes which I’m not thrilled with because they were thrust upon us rather than letting us pick what we’d like to do. The first theme is wind and air. We are making lots of kites, pinwheels, windsocks, chimes as well as doing all kinds of experiments. It doesn’t really seem like a summer theme to me but starting in August I’ll have more freedom to focus on what the children and I are interested in studying rather than what the pre-k teacher and “curriculum specialist” wants. Today we had a end of the year party today and an open house for the new parents. I really enjoyed meeting and talking with the parents and the new children that are coming into my room. I also made two of the centers, the home center and the reading center, much larger. It really opened the room up and made it more inviting. So I’m really excited to make some changes and see how I do in this new role.
Conferences, Professional Development, and PS teacher pay
Posted by: mscaroline on: 04/26/2009
So these are the three things that are on my mind today. I went to conference held by the city chapter of neayc. I really like one day conferences because I don’t get burned out the way I do at the larger conferences. Of course maybe that would be different for a preschool conference rather than a library conference since I’m more interested and energized by this field. I was impressed by the fact that for a small local conference I felt like it had a lot to offer. I learned a lot from the presenters, and heard good reminders of how to do things and different ways of working with children and addressing their needs.
I really enjoy professional development. I think it makes me a better teacher and reminds me of things I wouldn’t think of by myself or even working with colleagues. My little center only requires seven hours a term and mostly through our “in service” days but I think that is a shame because getting off campus, attending conferences, or even visiting other preschools is a really powerful tool for expanding my own program/teaching. So even if I have to pay for conferences out of my own pocket and take an unpaid day to go and observe another preschool I think it’s more than worth it.
And speaking of money the last thing that is haunting me is how little preschool teachers are paid. I listened to an amazing lady talk this afternoon who gave me some really terrific ideas and seems to have such a dynamic creative respectful classroom but she shared with us that she makes a ridiculous tiny amount of money for her education, skill, and obvious talent. And it just seems terribly wrong to me. Not only for myself but for the talented like this women who truly love children and yet are not reimbursed for it in the way that they rightfully should be. My husband depressed me even more when he said that even retail clerks make more and he’s right and the crazy thing is we all spend our own money to make our classrooms better. I know we’re not in it for the money, obviously, and I more than anyone know why I am doing it and the money is last on my list but still. . . Anyway, that’s what’s what, professional ponders, and my thoughts today.
Filling my Happiness Bucket
Posted by: mscaroline on: 04/19/2009
I got a very nice surprise the other day when I was reading my favorite preschool blogs.
Ms. Elliot over at Teaching to Dream listed me as one of the blogs that she reads that “fills her bucket” and I couldn’t not be more honored and pleased by what she said about me.
When I continued reading I discovered that the “Have you filled a bucket?” contest is being held by The Teaching Heart blog and asks people to acknowledge the blogs that fill their internal and invisible “buckets” with happiness. It really is a lovely thought.Upon reflection I realize that my bucket is one of inspiration, information, and creative ideas and what constantly fills it are blogs that I read each and every day. I look forward to seeing what they have to say and am thrilled that they share their classrooms activities, musings, and unique perspectives on everything in the preschool world. Okay, enough introduction here are my bucket fillers:
Teaching to Dream: Even if Ms. Elliot hadn’t put me on her list, I would still include her as my #1 bucket filler. I love that she shares not only the great wonderful parts of being a preschool teacher but also shares her honest and very human frustrations and problems. She is creative and talented and she obviously loves her students.
Don’t put boogers in your neighbor’s cereal : Although it is a rather kooky name for a blog, (although haven’t most preschool teachers said gross things they never thought they’d have to put into words?) I am so thrilled that there are teachers out there like Mrs. Vierkant. She is the kind of preschool teacher I aspire to be.
Preschool Daze : This an an absolutely amazing blog. This is a teacher/director who respects children and fosters creativity and wonder and I love the format of her posts and the fact the titles of the posts correlate to the subject. I also love the fact that she includes so many pictures. It is truly a feast for the eyes.
Preschool Playbook: This is blog is written by a caring and creative preschool teacher and director. She constantly has wonderful ideas and right now she is taking some Early Ed. courses and the information she has shared makes me want to join her! (If 1. I could afford it or 2. I actually worked at a place that would pay for it. Sigh, maybe someday.)
Okay so I just realized that many of my bucket fillers are also Ms. Elliot’s as well so I’m going to just briefly mention two others that she shares: Elbows, Knees, Dreams, the amazing Kiri is definitely on my list as well and if you don’t know why she’s amazing click on the link and read just one post and Once upon a day in Preschool because Ms. Debbie is the home preschool guru. I love that these two ladies are so open to learning new things and are passionate about creating wonderful learning environments for their preschool students.
A big public thank you to all these ladies for being my “bucket fillers.” You are all Truly Awesome. If I named your blog as one of my fillers and you haven’t done it already please post your own bucket fillers! It’s fun, I promise!
Thinking about classroom space
Posted by: mscaroline on: 04/15/2009
I have had a serious case of writer’s block lately. In the last two weeks I have tried to write two different blog posts but somehow I just haven’t been able to finish them. In April, in our class we’ve been working on plants and the food triangle the last couple of weeks. Today we sent home the “bean stalks” (i.e. Lima beans) that we helped the kids plant. They’ve had so much fun watching them grow in the window!
In the last couple of days, the subject of classroom space has been on my mind. I want to change up the classroom a little and I’m terrible at spatial relations. I’ve been looking at Designs for Living and Learning: Transforming Early Childhood Environments but I’m a bit intimidated by many (okay most!) of the ideas. I think what I’d like to do is just rearrange the room and give it a room make-over. So I have a couple of questions for other preschool teachers. First of all, what’s your favorite part of your classroom? Is there one area you’re really proud of or particularly enjoy or is it just a feeling in the room in general? Second, do you ever rearrange the room? And if you do is it a drastic change or just subtle? and if so how often? I would love to hear your ideas. It is such a huge help to a newbie like myself! 
Love and Teaching
Posted by: mscaroline on: 04/01/2009
Recently I read on another preschool teacher’s blog about how she and her students express love and it got me thinking. In our school the “I love you”’s are rare at least in the three/four year old room. I can think of one little boy who has told me a handful of times that he loves me but other than that it’s just not done. So I’m wondering why is this? Are we as teachers allowed to tell our students we love them? Do we need to qualify and explain it or is it just good enough to say, “I love you each for the little people you are and growing to be everyday” ? I don’t know. Today after comforting a little one who was upset, I spontaneously said, “I love you Joey,” and his little face just lit up and he said it back to me. Later that afternoon when I was reading the whole group a story at the very end of the day Joey looked at me and said “I love you, Mscaroline.” As a result I got lots of little, “I love you’s” from around the room. I responded with “I love you all too, you are such amazing children.” But is that good enough? What other ways can I show them and perhaps tell them that I love and respect who they are and what they bring to my classroom?” I don’t expect answers to come just yet but definitely this comes under my “Professional Ponders” category.
- Image found through Google Images.
I think I may be “too old” for date night!
Posted by: mscaroline on: 03/28/2009
I am absolutely exhausted today and I am so grateful that it is Saturday and I don’t actually have anything planned!! Last night I worked “date night.” Our preschool is also part of a larger sports organization for kids that offers a monthly date night for the parents. This is where they drop their children off at 5pm and pick them up at 10pm. It really is just a large group babysitting with lots of fun stuff for the kids to do like jump on the trampoline and moon bounce, play with basketballs in the gym, play in the gymnastics studio, and watch a movie. I don’t know how to just stand back and watch so I was right in there with them, jumping, playing catch and basketball, playing tag in the gym, etc. So as a result this morning I felt about 90! Ugh. I took my daughters and they had a great time and honestly I do have to admit it was fun but I think It’ll be a while before I sign up to work another “date night!”
Home again, home again, jiggity jig
Posted by: mscaroline on: 03/23/2009
So we made it home in one piece and I wish I knew the name of the lovely lady at the counter that was such a huge help and offered to pray that we got home from Pittsburgh, PA to Austin, TX despite the fact that our flight was over an hour late. We had to run to make our connection but we made it. It was a nice spring break. Both my husband and I got to see and visit with both of our aging grandmothers which was priceless and our mothers got to see their beloved grandchildren and spoil them rotten. Tomorrow the girls and I return to our schools and I’m excited to see my little kiddos again. It should be fun to hear what they were up to during our week off. I do love to see and spend time with our extended family and travel and it is always nice to be able to sleep a little later and not have to worry about meals and grocery shopping but in spite of all that, I am always ready to come back and sleep in my own bed. I think Frank Baum said it best in The Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home.”
