Several years ago I had a wonderful job at a preschool as an assistant teacher and an after-school day care worker. Preschoolers are funny little people. Running around, having temper tantrums one minute then playing nicely with a friend the next. Socialization is key during these times and I remember how tough it was to get some children to come out of their shell and show their personalities. From this experience (and from having a toddler of my own) I thought that this was where I needed to be. I needed to be a Preschool Teacher!
Fast forward to present time... My kids are now in elementary school and WOW! How these children inspire me! I used to always say that toddlers grow in leaps and bounds, but I honestly think now that it's the Kindergartners. Leaps and bounds... It's amazing how much they learn in a day, a week and a month. Five year olds are still in the phase where they want to learn and want to please. They are receptive to the feelings of their friends and learn the meaning of self-control. It's not just the emotional side, it's also the academic side.
Every school year, I am always worried that my kids will have a good teacher. Not just good, but INSPIRING. I remember having school teachers who were teaching for 20+ years and although they were good teachers, they lacked inspiration. An inspiration that helped motivate us children that were willing to learn. I believe that perhaps it was those uninspiring teachers that made certain classes or subjects boring. Just running the lesson plan for the school year isn't enough sometimes.
I am very lucky to be a part-time working mother. Being a fitness instructor gives me the flexibility to work around my family schedule. So many families do not have that option; I grew up in a dual working family household myself. Working as a tutor on a volunteer basis for the teachers at my kids' school has been a blessing. It fulfills my need to teach children and the children teach me as well. They teach me patience, they teach me pride, and best of all they teach me to be the best person I can be. All children want is to succeed and to get a positive response for doing their best. They crave being challenged, but in baby steps. As a parent, I need to remember this with my own children. I often times forget that they need gentle reminders and positive praise. Sometimes I expect my kids to already know everything but come on, they're just kids. And they are only kids for a short period of time!
Once upon a time, I wanted to be a teacher. But today I am a parent and that's the best kind of teacher around!
While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.
~ Anonymous ~
No comments:
Post a Comment