Teaching might feel like having an entourage of one's own at times.
I encounter curious looks and a chorus of questions everywhere I go.
"What are you doing?" "Can I see?" "Is that for me?"
These questions usually pour in faster than I can respond, and then there's a rush of ten more before I can say anything at all.
It was the same this morning.
The tiny kitchen, where my colleague and I had planned a tranquil coffee break, was soon overrun by prying eyes, tiny cars, and wandering toys.
It's a good thing the "cozy coupe" stayed outside the doorway since it would have been difficult to turn around.
But in all the chaos, there's a certain charm to this never-ending wonder.
It is an honor to be able to observe these young minds' insatiable curiosity firsthand.
Consider today.
A brief scientific lesson was inspired by a dragonfly that was discovered on the playground.
This was an unplanned learning opportunity that arose from their finding rather than something that was preplanned for the curriculum.
We looked at its lengthy body and shimmering wings and talked about its place in the the natural world.
The finest aspect?
Learning was not forced upon them; rather, it was a result of their sincere interest.
The weather provided yet another instructive occasion for the day's events.
It was pouring rain, and although going inside seemed like the sensible thing to do, I suggested we try out the fun of playing in the rain.
The playground became a tiny splash park, and umbrellas turned into mystical shields.
As they stamped and splashed around, there were shrieks of excitement and giggles.
Of course, occasional mishaps accompany such expeditions.
One pupil discovered the less than ideal results of a rainy-day slide down.
Fortunately, having extra clothes prevented a valuable lesson in cause and effect from being learned from a soaked pair of pants.
As the downpour persisted, the schoolyard transformed into a miniature lake.
The kids had undoubtedly earned a treat; they were understandably tired of the rain.
During our movie break, we got everyone together in the hallway and settled in to enjoy the funny antics of "Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp."
Strongly advised for people of all ages!
However, even 30 minutes in front of a television proved to be a bit much for some young children.
Seeking some respite from the routine, they dozed off in the playroom.
After mats were set up, the space quickly became a creative hub.
There were burglars and police officers, energetic puppies, and other people who just wanted to relax and talk.
We cleaned up as a group to round off the day.
Playing together, after all, involves putting things away together.
And of course, there is always that one kid screaming, "Teacher, I have to pee!"
With each other, we overcame yet another rainy day, keeping the classroom (mostly) dry and prepared for any future downpours.
I noticed the same dark clouds forming once more as I made my way home.
The sun may be scarce this week, but that only makes those precious sun-drenched moments more valuable.
Perhaps the rain tomorrow will bring with it yet another unanticipated journey, an opportunity to grow and learn with these amazing, inquisitive minds.
@meraki7578💚
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