Leading

I did not get the chance to lead the class in a lesson or anything, but I did really learn some things from watching their teachers. I know that it takes a lot of patience to work with children this age, and I was amazed that the teacher who came to work with our 4 year olds also went to a similar center and taught even more kids that age. She probably doesn't get paid very much, but a lot is required of her. It was a blessing to see where her heart is for her to do this for the kids. She was very firm in her speaking and directing, but not unpleasantly so. She demanded their attention when teaching them, and she got it. So many of the things the kids did were just adorable. Their songs, their love for Zach Dunbar, (the little girls were practically fawning over him, it was precious) and the way they learned. I loved the experience, and I know some new things about teaching that I didn't know before, like reviewing, having patience (and how important it is) and to know your audience when preparing lessons. I need to become the best teacher I can be, and have been inspired to become that.

Interaction

While interacting with the kids one-on-one, I learned a lot about them. I usually worked with Trinity, or another little girl that I can't remember the name of. These two little girls were just beautiful. They were very mature for their age, they used proper table manners, and knew how to raise their hands to ask questions or get an adult's attention. It was so fun playing with them, because one time Trinity decided that we were going to pretend to be on an airplane, and she was amazed when I told her I went on a real one. She wanted to know all about my life, my name, who my sisters were, where I went to school. It seemed like she got a lot out of the experience too. I also really enjoyed watching them learn, and having a little sister who is their age, (she turned 5 last week) I can appreciate it all the more. I just really liked these girls, and we all had a good time together.

Obseravtion

I had the chance to work with four year olds at the YWCA. (I can't remember if they were 3-4 or 4-5. I think the whole class spanned from 3-5, but I do know there were 4-year-olds there.) These kids were full of life, and were excited to be who they were. I remember thinking how cool it was that they all kind of had an idea about jumping rope. They could do it so well, I was just floored. I also loved just being around these kids because they always brightened my day. Racial prejudice makes me so angry, but these kids were young enough to not be completely aware that they were a different color. I just love that because God didn't intend for us to be seperated by race, and we were all supposed to love each other. When they get older, they might have to face things of that nature, and it breaks my heart. I was also super amazed at the fact that they quickly learned so many things. They quickly learned the nursery rhymes they were taught, and they knew how to respectfully treat each other. Every time I went, they all played together nicely, though it seemed like the same two kids caused the trouble in the class (which is really what you'll get in any class). Over all, the kids were really good, and though they were 4, they knew what respect was, and that they could be respected by their peers and adults, and gave respect in return. It was a beautiful sight.