I hope you have enjoyed our focus on literacy throughout the month of February. Tonight I am going to cheat a little and not actually hand write this – and I’m going to write one more Love Letters even though February is technically over. As I have prepared our different “Love Letters” posts I have pondered how I might respond to the question “What do you love?” Here’s just a sampling of my list:
I love
to hear children happily engaged in play
to watch a teacher bend low bringing two children together to talk about how they feel and how to share those emotions in a positive way
to taste our yummy snacks (please don’t tell Ms. Donna that I sneak one now and then)
to tell silly stories about things that happen at preschool like the little girl describing the block area this way, “Well, there’s 100 pounds of messy back there.”
I love
to reminisce about when my own children were preschool age (believe it or not these days will pass much quicker than you can imagine)
to delve into discussions with the staff about how or why we do things the way we do and possibly should we be thinking about a new idea someone read about
to be spontaneous and silly with the kids (amazingly they even think I am funny)
to watch a child work hard at a task – often with the tongue held just so
to tell a story with children that you know has 100% of the time captivated children in the past – stories like Pete the Cat -I love my White Shoes, Three Little Kittens, Caps for Sale, Wide Mouth Bullfrog . . .
I love
to hear from families about their children “playing” their guitars (or “bittars” as one little guy always called his) and singing at home
to watch 3, 4 or 5 year-old children wait for a friend at curbside arrival and then walk in together chatting just like they will when they are in high school
to hear the giggles
to listen to large motor in the hallway as the children say things like “Wow, he is a good lava walker.”
to take those much needed breaks – I hope everyone finds their own way to take a breather when you need one
to know after a conversation with a teacher that we truly are always looking out for what will best serve each child
I love
to talk to my grown children and know I took time to play and talk and listen and realize they know I now value their input and relationship
to know that our staff have things covered when I’m not quite up to par and need to come in to work a little late – and they cover my curbside duties whenever I ask
to laugh and play with my co-workers – I was so bummed to have to miss our staff “Christmas” party we just had in February – I know there were lots of laughs
to see a “lightbulb” moment when a child has a new understanding of an idea or concept
to connect with parents and families in a way that builds a loving, fun community and to watch families build lasting friendships
to have deep conversations about God and Jesus with an ever inquisitive young child, “Do you think God has eyeballs?”
I love
to listen, to laugh and to sing
to play, to learn and to grow
Aldersgate Preschool 