This morning the kids were having free play. This time of day can get a little loud and crazy. We had several children playing in the house, a few doing blocks, and some doing their own thing. We had Gak available for those who wanted it at the table.
A little side note for those of you who don't know what gak is: basically a gelatinous slime that the kids can mold or shape like dough or let it puddle like slime. . .It's great!
There were about four children working with the gak and they all decided they wanted to cut it with scissors. We really don't mind this because the children are developing their fine motor skills.
Another Teacher and I were chatting as we watched the children play and work at the table. One of the little girls at the table bent down as if she was getting something off the floor. We thought nothing of it, that she had just dropped some gak. Moments later a HUGE chunk of hair came floating out from under the other side of the table! The other teacher and I looked at each other and screamed, " (Insert name here) get out from under that table"! I was unsure of what we would see when she emerged. Would she be bald in front? Would just one side be cut? She popped out from under the table with a huge smile on her face. I looked. She had cut off most of her little pony tail that was sitting on top of her head.
The other teacher began to tell her that we don't cut our hair, and we took the scissors away from the other children.
The little girl just continued to smile and said, " I cut my own hair, I know I shouldn't. . . but I did"
We called her mom later on to let her know and all mom did was laugh.
So, no more scissors for her for awhile!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Who's foolin' who?
While preparing snack one day I noticed out of the corner of my eye that a child was about to throw a puzzle piece. "Hey" I said, "Don't you throw that puzzle". The child stopped dead in his tracks and stared at me with wide eyes. He looked at the child next to him and said, "How did she know I was gonna throw that"? The other boy looked at him and said, "My mom told me that teachers and moms have eyes in the backs of their heads so she has eyes in the back of her head". The other boy nodded his head in agreement. Another boy had overheard their conversation and walked over to them and stated, " She does not have eyes in the back of her head. People do not have eyes in the back of their head. Look, if she had eyes back there her hair would be over it and she wouldn't see out those eyes." The two other boys just looked at him and then continued playing. The non-believer approached me and said, "Teacher, those kids think you got eyes in the back of your head. . . and you don't". I looked at him and smiled, " How do you know I don't have eyes back there"? He rolled his eyes and said matter of factly "You just don't". I nodded my head and asked, " Oh, well then how did I know he was going to throw that puzzle piece"? The boy looked at me square in the eye and said, "Because you have peripheral vision". I couldn't say anything! Whay!?!? How could this five year old know about peripheral vision??? All I could do is say "Yup buddy, I do". Too smart for me!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
These one's are quick but they're too cute to pass up
I was helping a little boy locate his socks and shoes after an adventure in the sandbox. We located everything and I told him to come sit with me under the tree in the shade and I'd help him get his shoes and socks back on. He sat down on the grass with me and I started to put his socks on. He leaned back on his hands and sighed, " I love shave, it keeps me cool and outta the sun." I smiled at him and asked, " so you really like the shade"? He grinned at me and replied, " I love this tree, it helps me shave. I love the shave".... Too cute!
I was still sitting under that tree in the "shave" when another child came up behind me and started to play with my hair. He piled it all on top of my head and twisted it around itself. As soon as he let go, ofcourse, my hair all fell back down. He leaned around me and said, "Teacher, your hair isn't stable". "Oh, it's not"? I chuckled. "No, it's very unstable", he replied. I sat smiling for a moment before I asked, "How do you think I can make it stable"? The boy though for a moment before responding, "With hairspray...or maybe a wig". What a great afternoon!
I was still sitting under that tree in the "shave" when another child came up behind me and started to play with my hair. He piled it all on top of my head and twisted it around itself. As soon as he let go, ofcourse, my hair all fell back down. He leaned around me and said, "Teacher, your hair isn't stable". "Oh, it's not"? I chuckled. "No, it's very unstable", he replied. I sat smiling for a moment before I asked, "How do you think I can make it stable"? The boy though for a moment before responding, "With hairspray...or maybe a wig". What a great afternoon!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
A small glimpse at the future
A week or so ago I had two children(a boy and a girl) wake up a little early from nap. The two of them chose to sit together on a nap mat and read books until the other kids started to wake up. They sat close to one another flipping through the books and talking about what was happening in the pictures. After awhile the little girl came over to me and said, "Teacher, we are going to get married when we are bigger...to each other"! I told her it was nice that they were friends and she smiled a huge smile and went back to her books.
Later that day, at snack time, I noticed that this little girl had seated herself next to this same little boy and was once again talking his ear off. This time,however,the little boy was way less interested in what she had to say. The other children were awake now and he was more involved in a conversation with the boys. The girl started to notice she was losing his attention and started to lean in closer and closer to the boy. He continued to either look in the opposites direction of directly down at his snack. Finally the litte girl leaned way over and stuck her head between the boys face and the table...not wanting to be ignored any longer. "Guess what"! She said and he finally answered her in an annoyed tone, "what"? She beamed at him, "We are going to get married when we are bigger! We're going to get married"! The boy stared at her blankly for a moment, clearly not getting the importance of the conversation. She continued,"we're going to get married to each other"! she squealed. The boy looked at her for a moment,gathered up his snack, got up out of his seat and stated, " I don't think so" and then walked away. I watched to make sure this didn't upset the girl too much. She seemed to take it in stride and found other children to play with for the rest of the day.
I however, pondered the fact that this situation, though in varied forms, would most likely happen to her many more time in her lifetime. It's amazing how young personalities develope. Girls will be girls and yes, boys will be boys.
Later that day, at snack time, I noticed that this little girl had seated herself next to this same little boy and was once again talking his ear off. This time,however,the little boy was way less interested in what she had to say. The other children were awake now and he was more involved in a conversation with the boys. The girl started to notice she was losing his attention and started to lean in closer and closer to the boy. He continued to either look in the opposites direction of directly down at his snack. Finally the litte girl leaned way over and stuck her head between the boys face and the table...not wanting to be ignored any longer. "Guess what"! She said and he finally answered her in an annoyed tone, "what"? She beamed at him, "We are going to get married when we are bigger! We're going to get married"! The boy stared at her blankly for a moment, clearly not getting the importance of the conversation. She continued,"we're going to get married to each other"! she squealed. The boy looked at her for a moment,gathered up his snack, got up out of his seat and stated, " I don't think so" and then walked away. I watched to make sure this didn't upset the girl too much. She seemed to take it in stride and found other children to play with for the rest of the day.
I however, pondered the fact that this situation, though in varied forms, would most likely happen to her many more time in her lifetime. It's amazing how young personalities develope. Girls will be girls and yes, boys will be boys.
Friday, May 28, 2010
With just one look. . .
This blog is titled "Kids SAY what", I just wanted to demonstrate that sometimes a child doesn't have to SAY anything to tell you everything. A special thanks to my cute friend Cara for letting me share this picture of her little guy with ya'll.
So. . . what do you think he's saying?
Monday, May 17, 2010
Point of View
I heard a fellow teacher ask one of her children this question the other day; "Why on earth did you have your head in that garbage can"? The child responded with a shoulder shrug and an eye roll. The teacher then asked, " Can you tell me if there is ever a good reason to have your head in a garbage can"? The child looked at her for a moment then looked down into the garbage can. " I don't think there is ever a good reason for you to put your entire head into the garbage can bud, so please don't do it again." the teacher pleaded. "Alright" said the boy, "but I can think of a reason you'd put your head in there. . . if you wanted to see what was in it. . . all the way at the bottom, or if you were lookin' for sumfin". The teacher smiled and said, "well I guess that is a pretty good reason. What were you looking for"?
The child looked at her quizically, " I wasn't looking for anything, I just put my head in it".
The child looked at her quizically, " I wasn't looking for anything, I just put my head in it".
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
It's all relative
Overheard this conversation during lunch today:
B- I have a dog. She's a good dog.
T- Oh, that's cool dude.
B- My dog is a girl, her name is Rawly.
T- Oh.
B- My dog is a girl, so she is my sister because she's a girl.
T- * Blankly stares off into space clearly tired of this conversation*
E- Your dog is what?
B- My dog's a girl so she's my sister!
T- *snapping back to reality* What? Wait a second dude, how can a dog be your sister?
B- Cuz she's a girl.
T- Ah man. That's weird.
B- I have a dog. She's a good dog.
T- Oh, that's cool dude.
B- My dog is a girl, her name is Rawly.
T- Oh.
B- My dog is a girl, so she is my sister because she's a girl.
T- * Blankly stares off into space clearly tired of this conversation*
E- Your dog is what?
B- My dog's a girl so she's my sister!
T- *snapping back to reality* What? Wait a second dude, how can a dog be your sister?
B- Cuz she's a girl.
T- Ah man. That's weird.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Name that tune!
I like to help the clean up process move along in my classroom by playing up beat and fun music. In the past the favored song was "Who let the dogs out" but due to teacher Jaime being down right sick of it, the songs have changed. The kids like to keep it up tempo but they also favor things that are mainstream. For example we often listen to things from the Hannah Montana soundtrack or from (gag) Justin Bieber. . . I try to get them to exeperience different music but once they get a fave it gets played over and over and over.. . .and over.
This months favorite is appropriately entitled "Replay". It's a popular hip-hop song that the children just adore. The lyrics go something like this:
"Shawty's like a melody in my head that I can't keep out, got me singin' like, na na na na everyday. It's like my ipod's stuck on replay. Replay."
This, however, is not what the children like to sing. Every child has their own personal version of these lyrics. . . here are some of my favorites;
"Chinese like a memaneez in my head"
"Shawny's like a Melody"
"Shiney's in the melodies"
"Mac and Cheese in my head"
"Johnnny is like a melody"
"Shinny is like a Melanie"
"Scotty is like a melody"
And when asked what song they'd like to hear for clean up the shouts are unanimous for "Melanie in my head" or "Macaroni in my head"
Sounds like a hit to me!
This months favorite is appropriately entitled "Replay". It's a popular hip-hop song that the children just adore. The lyrics go something like this:
"Shawty's like a melody in my head that I can't keep out, got me singin' like, na na na na everyday. It's like my ipod's stuck on replay. Replay."
This, however, is not what the children like to sing. Every child has their own personal version of these lyrics. . . here are some of my favorites;
"Chinese like a memaneez in my head"
"Shawny's like a Melody"
"Shiney's in the melodies"
"Mac and Cheese in my head"
"Johnnny is like a melody"
"Shinny is like a Melanie"
"Scotty is like a melody"
And when asked what song they'd like to hear for clean up the shouts are unanimous for "Melanie in my head" or "Macaroni in my head"
Sounds like a hit to me!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Metamorphosis
This week in preschool we have been learning about insects! Teaching the kids that insects have four wings, six legs, two antennae, and three body parts has proven challenging but not impossible! After two weeks of repetition we finally nailed "Head, thorax, abdomen"! Hooray for us!
Our focus the last two days has been caterpillars and butterflies which naturally involves the way a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. We try and teach the concept of metamorphosis as simply as possible. Getting them to say metamorphosis is hard enough on its own and we usually get some great variations on the word i.e mess-ah-mort-ee-foos, mental-morph-phoo-sa-sis, meat-n-morphis, metal-mor-fah-sus, or my personal favorite meta-mork-ah-foos.
This is how we present it: Egg-caterpillar-cacoon-butterfly. That's it. Nothing too hard to understand. We even challenge the children to act out the sequence. For the most part they get it. Caterpillar=butterfly. It's that pesky middle step that gives them trouble.
For example a parent shared with me her child's response when asked at home what metamorphosis is:
"First it's an egg, then it's a caterpillar, then it turns into a raccoon then the raccoon becomes a butterfly!"
I'm glad to hear were getting the point across :)
Our focus the last two days has been caterpillars and butterflies which naturally involves the way a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. We try and teach the concept of metamorphosis as simply as possible. Getting them to say metamorphosis is hard enough on its own and we usually get some great variations on the word i.e mess-ah-mort-ee-foos, mental-morph-phoo-sa-sis, meat-n-morphis, metal-mor-fah-sus, or my personal favorite meta-mork-ah-foos.
This is how we present it: Egg-caterpillar-cacoon-butterfly. That's it. Nothing too hard to understand. We even challenge the children to act out the sequence. For the most part they get it. Caterpillar=butterfly. It's that pesky middle step that gives them trouble.
For example a parent shared with me her child's response when asked at home what metamorphosis is:
"First it's an egg, then it's a caterpillar, then it turns into a raccoon then the raccoon becomes a butterfly!"
I'm glad to hear were getting the point across :)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Vocabulary Lesson
Children's brains are like sponges, they soak up EVERYTHING. During the preschool years children are building a foundation for learning. They are learning basic math skills, reading readiness, primary scientific principals and they are learning new vocabulary!
Todays vocabulary lesson was on a very new term. I, in my own adult life, have heard this term several times in different situations but never once have I heard it used in preschool! We go through various stages of swear words and body parts, the occassional nonsense word but never this.
At snack a child announced that his dad has. . . are you ready??? You think you're ready but you're not. Okay, situate yourself. Breath deep. Okay.
His dad has "man boobs". Okaaaaayyyy.
I really tried to stay out of this one. For one I had no idea what to say and second of all I was too busy shooting water out my nose and laughing.
I was however surprised at the number of children who corrected him by telling him either that "men don't have boobs" or that "boys boobs are called pecks". The boy was assured that his dad, did indeed, have man boobs.
This became the insult of the day as well which resulted in several children approaching me and saying, "Teacher, (insurt random childs name here) called me a man boob"!
Once again I refer to the post entitled "Fair Warning". . . if you don't want it repeated, don't tell your kid!
Todays vocabulary lesson was on a very new term. I, in my own adult life, have heard this term several times in different situations but never once have I heard it used in preschool! We go through various stages of swear words and body parts, the occassional nonsense word but never this.
At snack a child announced that his dad has. . . are you ready??? You think you're ready but you're not. Okay, situate yourself. Breath deep. Okay.
His dad has "man boobs". Okaaaaayyyy.
I really tried to stay out of this one. For one I had no idea what to say and second of all I was too busy shooting water out my nose and laughing.
I was however surprised at the number of children who corrected him by telling him either that "men don't have boobs" or that "boys boobs are called pecks". The boy was assured that his dad, did indeed, have man boobs.
This became the insult of the day as well which resulted in several children approaching me and saying, "Teacher, (insurt random childs name here) called me a man boob"!
Once again I refer to the post entitled "Fair Warning". . . if you don't want it repeated, don't tell your kid!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Awesome hiding spot
These boys wondered how in the world I found them. . . afterall their hiding spot was so perfectly perfect!
They thought I had super powers! Right on teacher Jaime!
Friday, April 9, 2010
A matter of Life and Death
Last weekend was Easter Sunday and if I had no Christian religious affiliation I would still know this by the amount of death/resurrection talk that has been happening among my preschoolers this week.
I will mainly focus on Lauren and her understanding of what will happen in the future.
MONDAY
Lauren: Teacher, did you know in a lot of days I will die?
Teacher: Um, I guess but not for a lot and LOT of days Lauren.
Lauren: Yes but in a lot of days I will die. Teacher did you know that in a lot of
days you will die too?
Teacher: Yes I know but it won't be for a long LONG time.
Lauren: In a lotta days when I die, when I am done being dead I will be resurrected!
Teacher: Okay.
Lauren: When I am done being dead, yes I will be done.
WEDNESDAY
Lauren:(to another child in the class)Clara, did you know in a lotta days I will die and be resurrected?
Clara: (blank stare with no comment)
Lauren: . . . and in a lotta days teacher will die and be resurrected!
Clara:(eyes widen in fear and mouth begins to hang open)
Lauren: Oh yes in a lotta days you will die too and be resurrected.
Clara:(gulp!) Teacher!?!?!
Teacher: What's the matter Clara?
Clara: Lauren says you are gonna die!Then she said that I am gonna die!
Lauren: It its! We all die and then be resurrected.
Teacher: Lauren please don't tell people they are going to die, It's kinda scary and they don't like it.
Lauren: Okay but it is true. I will die in a lotta days and be resurrected. . . .(singing in a loud, very dramatic, opera voice) FOREVER!!!!!
FRIDAY
Lauren: Teacher where are your fish?
Teacher: They died awhile ago, I've gotta go to the pet store and get more.
Lauren: They died?
Teacher: Yes they did.
Jayden: How did they die?
Teacher: One just died buddy and the other one jumped outta the bowl and into the sink.
Jayden: Oh, You need to get more.
Lauren: The fish are dead.
Teacher: Uh-huh
Lauren: Did you flush them down the toilet?
Teacher: (chuckling) Why yes I did.
Lauren: Did they go to Heaven?
Teacher: Yes they did. All fish go to heaven!
Lauren: Will they be resurrected?
Teacher: I really don't know. . . I don't know about that and fish. . . um, okay. . . let's go outside!!!!
I wasn't lying. I really don't know what the protocol is for fish in the millenium. Any thoughts???
I will mainly focus on Lauren and her understanding of what will happen in the future.
MONDAY
Lauren: Teacher, did you know in a lot of days I will die?
Teacher: Um, I guess but not for a lot and LOT of days Lauren.
Lauren: Yes but in a lot of days I will die. Teacher did you know that in a lot of
days you will die too?
Teacher: Yes I know but it won't be for a long LONG time.
Lauren: In a lotta days when I die, when I am done being dead I will be resurrected!
Teacher: Okay.
Lauren: When I am done being dead, yes I will be done.
WEDNESDAY
Lauren:(to another child in the class)Clara, did you know in a lotta days I will die and be resurrected?
Clara: (blank stare with no comment)
Lauren: . . . and in a lotta days teacher will die and be resurrected!
Clara:(eyes widen in fear and mouth begins to hang open)
Lauren: Oh yes in a lotta days you will die too and be resurrected.
Clara:(gulp!) Teacher!?!?!
Teacher: What's the matter Clara?
Clara: Lauren says you are gonna die!Then she said that I am gonna die!
Lauren: It its! We all die and then be resurrected.
Teacher: Lauren please don't tell people they are going to die, It's kinda scary and they don't like it.
Lauren: Okay but it is true. I will die in a lotta days and be resurrected. . . .(singing in a loud, very dramatic, opera voice) FOREVER!!!!!
FRIDAY
Lauren: Teacher where are your fish?
Teacher: They died awhile ago, I've gotta go to the pet store and get more.
Lauren: They died?
Teacher: Yes they did.
Jayden: How did they die?
Teacher: One just died buddy and the other one jumped outta the bowl and into the sink.
Jayden: Oh, You need to get more.
Lauren: The fish are dead.
Teacher: Uh-huh
Lauren: Did you flush them down the toilet?
Teacher: (chuckling) Why yes I did.
Lauren: Did they go to Heaven?
Teacher: Yes they did. All fish go to heaven!
Lauren: Will they be resurrected?
Teacher: I really don't know. . . I don't know about that and fish. . . um, okay. . . let's go outside!!!!
I wasn't lying. I really don't know what the protocol is for fish in the millenium. Any thoughts???
Thursday, April 8, 2010
For your information
Hello all!
I have been getting some great personal feedback about this little blog of ours! Everyone seems to be loving it! However, I have heard from some parents and a few fellow teachers that they would enjoy the stories more if I used real names. . . we like to imagine just how the scenario played out with pictures of the kiddos faces in mind. . . so I'm letting everyone know that on occassion, when the story is not too embarassing I will be using real names. Those who don't know the kids and are just reading for fun won't know the difference anyway.
I hope to keep you updated on our crazy little world called preschool!
Hugs!
I have been getting some great personal feedback about this little blog of ours! Everyone seems to be loving it! However, I have heard from some parents and a few fellow teachers that they would enjoy the stories more if I used real names. . . we like to imagine just how the scenario played out with pictures of the kiddos faces in mind. . . so I'm letting everyone know that on occassion, when the story is not too embarassing I will be using real names. Those who don't know the kids and are just reading for fun won't know the difference anyway.
I hope to keep you updated on our crazy little world called preschool!
Hugs!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Fair Warning
Dear parents,
This post is just a little heads up for you! Your children share EVERYTHING at school! Yes I'm speaking of toys, snacks, books, and other things like that but mostly I'm speaking of "secrets" or family information! If your kid hears(or overhears) something at home, you better believe that the next day we all hear about it.
We know when you swear, we know when you're sick, we know when grandma is visiting.
We also know if you hate peas, have funny underwear, or are trying to grow a mustache. We know if your dog, grandpa, uncle, or fish dies. We hear about songs you listen to on the radio. . . we know when you let your kids watch "Twilight"! We know if you hate to exercise, love gummy bears, have aliens living in your attic(not all we hear is true), or if you're going on vacation!
We hear it all from the mouths of babes! So if you don't want anyone else to know that "Dad's going on a five day iceskating date with uncle Joey". . . don't tell your kids.
Sincerly,
your child's teacher
This post is just a little heads up for you! Your children share EVERYTHING at school! Yes I'm speaking of toys, snacks, books, and other things like that but mostly I'm speaking of "secrets" or family information! If your kid hears(or overhears) something at home, you better believe that the next day we all hear about it.
We know when you swear, we know when you're sick, we know when grandma is visiting.
We also know if you hate peas, have funny underwear, or are trying to grow a mustache. We know if your dog, grandpa, uncle, or fish dies. We hear about songs you listen to on the radio. . . we know when you let your kids watch "Twilight"! We know if you hate to exercise, love gummy bears, have aliens living in your attic(not all we hear is true), or if you're going on vacation!
We hear it all from the mouths of babes! So if you don't want anyone else to know that "Dad's going on a five day iceskating date with uncle Joey". . . don't tell your kids.
Sincerly,
your child's teacher
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter
On Thursday the Easter Bunny visited our center! The kids were super excited to see him and were especially thrilled when he showed up accompanied by a giant carrot!
The Bunny hopped into the room and the children were all smiles! They couldn't wait to meet him and get a treat! As the children were forming a line to meet the large bunny one child began to ask the teachers around him a question, "What is that"? The teachers chuckled and responded "it's the Easter bunny"! The child pulled a quizical face and stared at the bunny. "No," he said "I mean who is that"? A couple of the teachers looked at one another before answering him again, "It's the Easter bunny Fred". Once again Fred stared at the bunny and made a face, he turned once again to the teachers and pulled his eyebrows down in all seriousness, " I think it's a costume" he stated. The teachers tried again to tell him it truly was the Easter bunny. Fred rolled his eyes and said, " I want to know who's inside there". The children around him joined the teachers in one last chorus of "It's the Easter bunny!" before Fred at last shrugged his shoulders and said, "Well. . . I think it's a human".
Too smart for us.
The Bunny hopped into the room and the children were all smiles! They couldn't wait to meet him and get a treat! As the children were forming a line to meet the large bunny one child began to ask the teachers around him a question, "What is that"? The teachers chuckled and responded "it's the Easter bunny"! The child pulled a quizical face and stared at the bunny. "No," he said "I mean who is that"? A couple of the teachers looked at one another before answering him again, "It's the Easter bunny Fred". Once again Fred stared at the bunny and made a face, he turned once again to the teachers and pulled his eyebrows down in all seriousness, " I think it's a costume" he stated. The teachers tried again to tell him it truly was the Easter bunny. Fred rolled his eyes and said, " I want to know who's inside there". The children around him joined the teachers in one last chorus of "It's the Easter bunny!" before Fred at last shrugged his shoulders and said, "Well. . . I think it's a human".
Too smart for us.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
What's in a name?
Logan: Look teacher I found a feffer! (holding up a feather)
Teacher: Wow, that is a feather!
Logan: It's my feffer. I found it.
Teacher: Where did you find that feather Logan?
Logan: I found it on the grass over there.
Teacher: Oh, well I'm glad you found it!
Cameron: What did Logan find teacher?
Teacher: Show him Logan.
Logan: See, I found a feffer!
Cameron: That is not a feffer!
Logan: Yes it is! I found it!
Cameron: Yea but it's not a feffer Logan!
Logan: Yes it is a feffer, from a bird!
Cameron: But it's not called a feffer Logan!! It's called a FEDDER.
Teacher: Wow, that is a feather!
Logan: It's my feffer. I found it.
Teacher: Where did you find that feather Logan?
Logan: I found it on the grass over there.
Teacher: Oh, well I'm glad you found it!
Cameron: What did Logan find teacher?
Teacher: Show him Logan.
Logan: See, I found a feffer!
Cameron: That is not a feffer!
Logan: Yes it is! I found it!
Cameron: Yea but it's not a feffer Logan!
Logan: Yes it is a feffer, from a bird!
Cameron: But it's not called a feffer Logan!! It's called a FEDDER.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
No text message required to recieve this message
I was cleaning off my tables after some pretty amazing rock painting had occurred and I heard a child in the bathroom yelling. "Hey! Hey! Oh Hey! Hello? Hey!" I listened to him for a minute and then figured he may need some help so I walked into the bathroom to check on him. I rounded the corner and found him perched on the edge of the toilet seat peering around the dividers to see the child that occupied the toilet down the row. "Hey!" he yelled again, the other child ignored him. "Um, heeeeyyyyyy" he said again, still no answer. "Hey hey hey" he continued until the other child looked up at him. He smiled and said, "Hey I'm poopin'!" then he fanned his palm in front of his nose and cried, "whooey". Kids.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Honesty is the best policy
This week in preschool we are learning all about mud and rocks! So what better way to discover rocks than to go out and get some to look at and explore!?!
That's what we did, my class and I went on a Rock Hunt!
It was really nothing special, just a walk along the river trail. . . . trying to keep the children from toppling into the rushing abyss. . . .no biggie!
On our walk we found A LOT of rocks! The kids were excited, I was excited. We also found some other things along the trail, like dog poop. . . not so excitied.
As our little line of explorers plodded along we passed and were passed by several different people. A woman with her dog, three female joggers, a family with a couple kids, some grandparents, none of these people caught the childrens attention at all. . . .until he came along. He was a nice looking gentleman who was maybe around forty years old and he was jogging with a friend. There was nothing wrong with this guy, he wasn't funny looking or overweight he just looked like a regular guy! There was just one little problem, he wasn't wearing a shirt. "No big deal?" you say. Hmmm. Really big deal for preschoolers. They all stopped dead in their tracks and stared as he approached and then, as he started to pass them, the comments started. "Ewwww!!!!" They called in unison. "He don't got a shirt on! That's dibusting"! one boy cried. "So gross" called others, "put your shirt on dude"! My fellow teacher and I tried to quiet them, but there's just no way to shhh 22 four real olds yelling "ewwwww" in unison. . . it CAN'T be done! We might as well have been trying to dam up that river with toothpicks for all the good our shhhing was doing. So we gave up, we stood in silence, heads down, until he passed, and then. . . . we started to laugh.
Forgive us Mr. Stranger if we made you feel bad but what can I say? Kids are honest. Really, really, honest.
That's what we did, my class and I went on a Rock Hunt!
It was really nothing special, just a walk along the river trail. . . . trying to keep the children from toppling into the rushing abyss. . . .no biggie!
On our walk we found A LOT of rocks! The kids were excited, I was excited. We also found some other things along the trail, like dog poop. . . not so excitied.
As our little line of explorers plodded along we passed and were passed by several different people. A woman with her dog, three female joggers, a family with a couple kids, some grandparents, none of these people caught the childrens attention at all. . . .until he came along. He was a nice looking gentleman who was maybe around forty years old and he was jogging with a friend. There was nothing wrong with this guy, he wasn't funny looking or overweight he just looked like a regular guy! There was just one little problem, he wasn't wearing a shirt. "No big deal?" you say. Hmmm. Really big deal for preschoolers. They all stopped dead in their tracks and stared as he approached and then, as he started to pass them, the comments started. "Ewwww!!!!" They called in unison. "He don't got a shirt on! That's dibusting"! one boy cried. "So gross" called others, "put your shirt on dude"! My fellow teacher and I tried to quiet them, but there's just no way to shhh 22 four real olds yelling "ewwwww" in unison. . . it CAN'T be done! We might as well have been trying to dam up that river with toothpicks for all the good our shhhing was doing. So we gave up, we stood in silence, heads down, until he passed, and then. . . . we started to laugh.
Forgive us Mr. Stranger if we made you feel bad but what can I say? Kids are honest. Really, really, honest.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Self-esteem
There is a boy in my class that is obsessed with two things, himself and corndogs. . . we'll call him "Tony".
Usually when it is time to clean up one activity and move onto another I put on some music to help the kids get moving. On a rainy Tuesday I put on a song that had a really good beat so the kids got excited. Tony in particular really started grooving, he was wiggling his hips and poking his bottom out. I noticed, however, that her wasn't really cleaning while he danced, he was watching something. I turned to see what it was and realised he was watching himself in the mirror! This amused me. I continued to watch him and he continued to watch himself. His moves got more intense and began to include "gang like" hand gestures and some serious facial movement. He was rockin out! He never once took his eyes off that mirror though. The song ended and we moved on with our day.
At lunch time I noticed that Tony had positioned himself at the table so that he could once again see himself in the mirror. Throughout the meal I watched him watch himself. He watched himself pass the peas, he watched himself talk to his friends, he watched himself pour his milk, and he watched himself chew! I held back laughter! He was just so confidant! There was nothing more amazing to this kid than his own reflection! He would occassionally knock a friend in the face with a bowl of food because he wasn't watching where he was passing it!
I was considering why exactly I thought this was so humorous. Why should it be so funny that he loves himself so much? Out in the world it's considered vanity but in his little world he's just figuring out who he is! It's too bad that we can't all be that facinated with our own reflection. Time and other people start to make that reflection look different than it did when we were four. How often do any of us stop to dance in front of a mirror and how many of us like what we see when we do?
I think Tony has the right idea.
Usually when it is time to clean up one activity and move onto another I put on some music to help the kids get moving. On a rainy Tuesday I put on a song that had a really good beat so the kids got excited. Tony in particular really started grooving, he was wiggling his hips and poking his bottom out. I noticed, however, that her wasn't really cleaning while he danced, he was watching something. I turned to see what it was and realised he was watching himself in the mirror! This amused me. I continued to watch him and he continued to watch himself. His moves got more intense and began to include "gang like" hand gestures and some serious facial movement. He was rockin out! He never once took his eyes off that mirror though. The song ended and we moved on with our day.
At lunch time I noticed that Tony had positioned himself at the table so that he could once again see himself in the mirror. Throughout the meal I watched him watch himself. He watched himself pass the peas, he watched himself talk to his friends, he watched himself pour his milk, and he watched himself chew! I held back laughter! He was just so confidant! There was nothing more amazing to this kid than his own reflection! He would occassionally knock a friend in the face with a bowl of food because he wasn't watching where he was passing it!
I was considering why exactly I thought this was so humorous. Why should it be so funny that he loves himself so much? Out in the world it's considered vanity but in his little world he's just figuring out who he is! It's too bad that we can't all be that facinated with our own reflection. Time and other people start to make that reflection look different than it did when we were four. How often do any of us stop to dance in front of a mirror and how many of us like what we see when we do?
I think Tony has the right idea.
A "hairy" situation
A Hairy situation
I had a boy in my class who had, to put it nicely, hair issues. He had a short haircut that was desperately in need of a trim. He liked his hair though and it never seemed to bother him that it was in his eyes or ears. On a particularly bad hair day the children were lining up to go outside and I overheard this conversation:
A- I’m the line leader!
S- I’m next! I’ll hold the door open!
A- (turning to face S) You’re right behind me dude! That’s awesome!
S- It’s so awesome.
A-(really staring at S) Whoa S! You have HUGE hair!
S- Ya I know.
A- You probably need a haircut.
S- Ya I know but I can’t have one!
A- Your hair is so huge dude!
T- It’s like mongous hair dude.
S- I know but I can’t have a haircut.
A- Why?
T- Yeah why dude?
S- My mom says my heads shaped like a football!
A- A football!?!?
T- Football is awesome dude.
A- So awesome!
S- YEAH!
I had a boy in my class who had, to put it nicely, hair issues. He had a short haircut that was desperately in need of a trim. He liked his hair though and it never seemed to bother him that it was in his eyes or ears. On a particularly bad hair day the children were lining up to go outside and I overheard this conversation:
A- I’m the line leader!
S- I’m next! I’ll hold the door open!
A- (turning to face S) You’re right behind me dude! That’s awesome!
S- It’s so awesome.
A-(really staring at S) Whoa S! You have HUGE hair!
S- Ya I know.
A- You probably need a haircut.
S- Ya I know but I can’t have one!
A- Your hair is so huge dude!
T- It’s like mongous hair dude.
S- I know but I can’t have a haircut.
A- Why?
T- Yeah why dude?
S- My mom says my heads shaped like a football!
A- A football!?!?
T- Football is awesome dude.
A- So awesome!
S- YEAH!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Baby brother???
Baby brother
The other day I was getting my children ready to come in off the playground. I overheard the following conversation:
A- I don’t have a sister. No sister at all.
B- I have a sister! She is bigger than me.
A- My sister is not bigger than me. She is little. More little than me. Well, actually it’s a, she’s a brother and she is only 2 year months old!
B-Like a baby?
A- yes he is a baby brother and she is 2 year months old.
C- Does your baby eat food?
A- No he doesn’t like food, only just bottles.
C- How about bananas? Does it eat bananas.
A- Yes he loves bananas, only in his bottle.
D-A banana bottle! What!?!?
A-Yeah, my baby only likes banana bottles! *laughs*
B- Does it eat anything asides banana bottles?
A- Sure it eats some other stuff
C- Like it likes macaroni and cheese?
D- Oh I love macaroni and cheese! It eats macaroni and cheese in a bottle?
A- No just with a spoon, not a bottle! That’s weird.
B- I like mac and cheese too!
C- How about noodles?
E- Or corndogs! I love corndogs!
A- Yea she would eat all that stuff. She likes food.
C- I don’t have a baby at my house.
A- Yeah, me neither.
The other day I was getting my children ready to come in off the playground. I overheard the following conversation:
A- I don’t have a sister. No sister at all.
B- I have a sister! She is bigger than me.
A- My sister is not bigger than me. She is little. More little than me. Well, actually it’s a, she’s a brother and she is only 2 year months old!
B-Like a baby?
A- yes he is a baby brother and she is 2 year months old.
C- Does your baby eat food?
A- No he doesn’t like food, only just bottles.
C- How about bananas? Does it eat bananas.
A- Yes he loves bananas, only in his bottle.
D-A banana bottle! What!?!?
A-Yeah, my baby only likes banana bottles! *laughs*
B- Does it eat anything asides banana bottles?
A- Sure it eats some other stuff
C- Like it likes macaroni and cheese?
D- Oh I love macaroni and cheese! It eats macaroni and cheese in a bottle?
A- No just with a spoon, not a bottle! That’s weird.
B- I like mac and cheese too!
C- How about noodles?
E- Or corndogs! I love corndogs!
A- Yea she would eat all that stuff. She likes food.
C- I don’t have a baby at my house.
A- Yeah, me neither.
Beware the goob!
Beware the goob!
On Saint Patrick’s Day I was cleaning up the dirty lunch dishes. My kids were on their mats reading books or doing some basic milling around the room going to the bathroom and getting drinks. I bent down to pick up a half eaten bowl of apple sauce and accidentally stuck my finger in it. I switched the bowl to my left hand and cupped the saucy finger in my right palm. I turned to get a paper towel when Sally appeared beside me. “Teacher, what is that”? she asked looking at my cupped hand. “Just a goober” I replied. She cocked her head to the side and leaned in closer to my hand to see if she could see what was inside. “Did you catch a leprechaun”? she said with great enthusiasm. As she spoke Steve stepped up next to her, “A leprechaun? Teacher! You have a leprechaun? Let me see it”. He reached up to pull open my hand. “No”, I said pulling my hand from his reach, “it’s not a leprechaun it’s just a little goober”. Steve pulled a nasty face, “A goob? What in the heck is a goob? Is it like a leprechaun”? He stared up at me with wide eyes. “Teacher’s caught a goob”! Sally shouted to the whole class. All around the room heads started popping up and turning towards me. “Guys! I didn’t catch a goob. I said it was a goober”. I tried explaining, “My finger got in the applesauce when I was cleaning up. That’s all. No leprechaun. No goob”. Several heads turned away from me losing interest in the entire ordeal but not Sally and Steve. . . They were off to tell their friends! I watched them for a few seconds and then turned to wipe my finger off. I gave my hand a quick roll in the paper towel and tossed it. No sooner had I stepped away from the trash can than Sally and Steve returned to my side with Jerry. “Teacher! We told Jerry you caught a goob. Show him”! Steve exclaimed. As he spoke he noticed my hand was no longer cupped, it was just sitting there empty. “Um teacher? Where’s the goob”? he asked with concern. I looked at him and began to explain again about the goob, “Buddy there was no goob. I just got some stuff on my finger and I wiped it off on a paper towel and threw it in the trash”. Steve gazed at me for a moment and then whipped himself over to the trash can, “It’s in here? You threw the goob away in here? I don’t see it. Where is it? Teacher, I don’t see the goob”. I could tell that explaining things again was not going to help, in his mind there was a little creature loose in our classroom and I was the one who’d let it escape! I thought for a quick second and then answered him, “Steve, the goob is not in the garbage can. I- I- uh, I ate it”! The phrase escaped my mouth before I could stop it. Steve’s expression went from surprise to doubt to. . . What was this? Disgust! His tongue draped out of his mouth and his eyes closed. “You a-a-ate the goob”? he said slowly. I watched as he pulled his hands around his middle and sucked in some air. “Eww, that is so gross”, he gulped and then he began to gag. A quick small gag at first and then they became deeper and closer together. “He’s gonna puke” Sally commented as she stepped backwards away from us both. “Steve, honey, I didn’t eat the goob. It was just applesauce! It wasn’t gross, I swear”! I back pedaled as fast as I could to stop the dry heaving. Steve stared at me for a minute. He stopped gagging. He started smiling. “Applesauce”! he cried. “Goobs are applesauce! Teacher you are so weird”! He skipped away happily knowing all was right with the world. I sighed with relief and returned to clearing the table, I was almost done when Gary approached me, “Um teacher? What’s a goob”? Here we go again!
On Saint Patrick’s Day I was cleaning up the dirty lunch dishes. My kids were on their mats reading books or doing some basic milling around the room going to the bathroom and getting drinks. I bent down to pick up a half eaten bowl of apple sauce and accidentally stuck my finger in it. I switched the bowl to my left hand and cupped the saucy finger in my right palm. I turned to get a paper towel when Sally appeared beside me. “Teacher, what is that”? she asked looking at my cupped hand. “Just a goober” I replied. She cocked her head to the side and leaned in closer to my hand to see if she could see what was inside. “Did you catch a leprechaun”? she said with great enthusiasm. As she spoke Steve stepped up next to her, “A leprechaun? Teacher! You have a leprechaun? Let me see it”. He reached up to pull open my hand. “No”, I said pulling my hand from his reach, “it’s not a leprechaun it’s just a little goober”. Steve pulled a nasty face, “A goob? What in the heck is a goob? Is it like a leprechaun”? He stared up at me with wide eyes. “Teacher’s caught a goob”! Sally shouted to the whole class. All around the room heads started popping up and turning towards me. “Guys! I didn’t catch a goob. I said it was a goober”. I tried explaining, “My finger got in the applesauce when I was cleaning up. That’s all. No leprechaun. No goob”. Several heads turned away from me losing interest in the entire ordeal but not Sally and Steve. . . They were off to tell their friends! I watched them for a few seconds and then turned to wipe my finger off. I gave my hand a quick roll in the paper towel and tossed it. No sooner had I stepped away from the trash can than Sally and Steve returned to my side with Jerry. “Teacher! We told Jerry you caught a goob. Show him”! Steve exclaimed. As he spoke he noticed my hand was no longer cupped, it was just sitting there empty. “Um teacher? Where’s the goob”? he asked with concern. I looked at him and began to explain again about the goob, “Buddy there was no goob. I just got some stuff on my finger and I wiped it off on a paper towel and threw it in the trash”. Steve gazed at me for a moment and then whipped himself over to the trash can, “It’s in here? You threw the goob away in here? I don’t see it. Where is it? Teacher, I don’t see the goob”. I could tell that explaining things again was not going to help, in his mind there was a little creature loose in our classroom and I was the one who’d let it escape! I thought for a quick second and then answered him, “Steve, the goob is not in the garbage can. I- I- uh, I ate it”! The phrase escaped my mouth before I could stop it. Steve’s expression went from surprise to doubt to. . . What was this? Disgust! His tongue draped out of his mouth and his eyes closed. “You a-a-ate the goob”? he said slowly. I watched as he pulled his hands around his middle and sucked in some air. “Eww, that is so gross”, he gulped and then he began to gag. A quick small gag at first and then they became deeper and closer together. “He’s gonna puke” Sally commented as she stepped backwards away from us both. “Steve, honey, I didn’t eat the goob. It was just applesauce! It wasn’t gross, I swear”! I back pedaled as fast as I could to stop the dry heaving. Steve stared at me for a minute. He stopped gagging. He started smiling. “Applesauce”! he cried. “Goobs are applesauce! Teacher you are so weird”! He skipped away happily knowing all was right with the world. I sighed with relief and returned to clearing the table, I was almost done when Gary approached me, “Um teacher? What’s a goob”? Here we go again!
"Soft. No Squeezin"
Soft. No Squeezin’!
In my classroom the children have a nap time everyday. The children are not required to sleep but the majority of them do. This time can be hard for those children who don’t like to sleep or find it difficult to lay down or to even be quiet. Awhile back I had a little boy who hated nap time. Nap times were never easy with him but one particular day was a little more interesting than the others. Larry had decided that his nap time was over. He started talking really loudly and was walking around the classroom trying to wake up the other children. “Please go back to your mat Larry” I said. “No” he replied. “It’s nap time buddy and we can’t wake up our friends” I said as I walked towards him to help him make his way back to his mat. When he saw that I was coming towards him he began to run away. I caught him quickly and grabbed hold of his hand to take him back to his mat. “ Stop! I don’t like you! I don’t want to nap! I want all the kids to be awake”! He squealed. I plopped him down on his mat and sat down next to him. “Go away! I don’t care about you!” He yelled. I looked over at him and said, “I’m not going to go away, I’m going to sit right here while you have a little rest okay?” At that point Larry began to kick me in the leg. He would kick and then immediately ask, “Did that hurt”? When I didn’t respond he would kick me again and ask, “How about now? Did that hurt”? I looked at him and said, “It’s not nice to kick and I really wish you wouldn’t kick me anymore’. He pondered that statement a moment and then said “I don’t care about you”! I only looked at him and said, “I’m sure sorry about that, I care about you.” He lye there quiet for a moment and then snuggled close to me, “are you mad at me teacher?” he asked. “No, I’m not mad. I’m happy you stopped kicking” I replied. Larry snuggled even closer and gave me a hug. “I love you teacher” he said. I then noticed that his hand had began creeping up from my stomach towards my chest. I gently slid his hand away. He hugged me again and rested his hand on my stomach. Soon, his hand began creeping towards my chest again. I slid his hand back towards him and held it against his chest for a moment, when I let go he put it back on my stomach and started moving it up towards my chest. “No, bud you gotta keep your hands to yourself.” “Pleeeeeeaaaassseee teacher”! He whined and tried to reach for me again, “I just wanna hug you! Pleeeeaaassseee”. I held his hand against his own chest and answered, “you already gave me a hug, just rest”. He lay there quietly but soon his hand was creeping back towards me, “No Larry. Don’t.” I stated firmly. “Ah pleeeaassseee” he said sweetly “I’ll be soft. No squeezing”! I could only laugh and shake my head. It was so innocent and yet so hilarious. I held his hand in mine until he fell asleep.
In my classroom the children have a nap time everyday. The children are not required to sleep but the majority of them do. This time can be hard for those children who don’t like to sleep or find it difficult to lay down or to even be quiet. Awhile back I had a little boy who hated nap time. Nap times were never easy with him but one particular day was a little more interesting than the others. Larry had decided that his nap time was over. He started talking really loudly and was walking around the classroom trying to wake up the other children. “Please go back to your mat Larry” I said. “No” he replied. “It’s nap time buddy and we can’t wake up our friends” I said as I walked towards him to help him make his way back to his mat. When he saw that I was coming towards him he began to run away. I caught him quickly and grabbed hold of his hand to take him back to his mat. “ Stop! I don’t like you! I don’t want to nap! I want all the kids to be awake”! He squealed. I plopped him down on his mat and sat down next to him. “Go away! I don’t care about you!” He yelled. I looked over at him and said, “I’m not going to go away, I’m going to sit right here while you have a little rest okay?” At that point Larry began to kick me in the leg. He would kick and then immediately ask, “Did that hurt”? When I didn’t respond he would kick me again and ask, “How about now? Did that hurt”? I looked at him and said, “It’s not nice to kick and I really wish you wouldn’t kick me anymore’. He pondered that statement a moment and then said “I don’t care about you”! I only looked at him and said, “I’m sure sorry about that, I care about you.” He lye there quiet for a moment and then snuggled close to me, “are you mad at me teacher?” he asked. “No, I’m not mad. I’m happy you stopped kicking” I replied. Larry snuggled even closer and gave me a hug. “I love you teacher” he said. I then noticed that his hand had began creeping up from my stomach towards my chest. I gently slid his hand away. He hugged me again and rested his hand on my stomach. Soon, his hand began creeping towards my chest again. I slid his hand back towards him and held it against his chest for a moment, when I let go he put it back on my stomach and started moving it up towards my chest. “No, bud you gotta keep your hands to yourself.” “Pleeeeeeaaaassseee teacher”! He whined and tried to reach for me again, “I just wanna hug you! Pleeeeaaassseee”. I held his hand against his own chest and answered, “you already gave me a hug, just rest”. He lay there quietly but soon his hand was creeping back towards me, “No Larry. Don’t.” I stated firmly. “Ah pleeeaassseee” he said sweetly “I’ll be soft. No squeezing”! I could only laugh and shake my head. It was so innocent and yet so hilarious. I held his hand in mine until he fell asleep.
Welcome to Kids say what!?!?
I work with preschoolers and everyday is an adventure. I'm always overhearing funny conversations or witnessing comical situations. I would come home and tell my family about the funny happenings of the day and they would always tell me that I had to write it down. . . so that's what I'm doing! I thought as long as I was writing it down I might as well share it with everyone.
These stories are good for a giggle but they also make you think about how much of our character and personality is developed in the early years.
I love my kids and think they are the greatest people to ever walk the earth and I feel privileged that they let me into their little worlds and wonderful minds.
Keep in mind names have been changed to protect the innocent!
Enjoy!
These stories are good for a giggle but they also make you think about how much of our character and personality is developed in the early years.
I love my kids and think they are the greatest people to ever walk the earth and I feel privileged that they let me into their little worlds and wonderful minds.
Keep in mind names have been changed to protect the innocent!
Enjoy!
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