Week two: full steam ahead!

With staggered entry done as well as the first full week of all students attending together in their classes, I feel it can only get better from here in terms of work itself.  After several emotional breakdowns from both the students and their parents (and my own by Tuesday night), it really can only get better.. Right?

As a professional, you can only stay positive and optimistic because both children and adults are depending on YOU for a positive experience at preschool.  Personally, however, in order to stay positive and optimistic for a positive outcome, that may involve a glass of wine or two at the end of the day.. And maybe even the whole bottle by Friday night.  But trust me, if you have parents relying on you, then you must be saying something right, as this is when they are most vulnerable.  And, if you are getting those kids to laugh and play and smile, then hell, you have definately done something right.

I also started to new things with my older classes this year which so far seem to be successful.  One in particular, is geared towards building empathy and I've decided to call it "Feelings Friday".  Every Friday, my older students are introduced to a 'social development' element - feelings, peer pressure, decision-making, bullying, peer relationships, etc.  This week was about "Let's Talk it Out" and discovering alot of problems that occur between friends at preschool is because of having to share.  By providing a real-life situation using real student names, we 'talked out' the problem adn realized how important sharing really is.  One class even reflected onto how talking problems out with their siblings would be better and more sharing would happen (YES!)!  The conversation was great and you could see the wheels turning in their little heads.  Satisfactory?  Oh, I think so!

Needless to say, although it was somewhat the week of Hell, it was also the week of new beginnings and already, new achievements.

So, my fellow preschool teachers - good luck on this upcoming week.  Not only are you starting to get to know them and their families now, but they are about you as well!  And don't worry, you're not the only part-time wine drinker out there.  I'm also part-time beer drinker as well ;)

FYI..

On a side note, I'm sure some of you have wondered since a posting or two ago, about the student who I was..needless to say, having some difficulty with and scared for the upcoming school year.  Well, after a week, nothing really to report!  Granted, they are like you're average two and a half year old - little sharing, little patience, little attention span.  But overall, the behaviours have been quite settle and amen to that. 


..And knowing my luck and stating all of the above, I have probably jinxed it..!