Well look at that...two days in a row of blogging! Murphy's Law, I suppose. Say something won't happen and look, it does!

Today I spent two hours of my life in a Pre-K classroom. I've spent hours in this classroom over the last couple of years with D's pre-k's classes, but this was my first day in E's class. I've always enjoyed it. Usually I do simple work (cutting stuff out, copying, helping at center time, etc.)...sometimes you could maybe even call it boring. WOW. I was NOT prepared for today!

Pre-K classrooms that are held in our public schools are integrated classes - meaning that there are "role model" kids and "special ed" kids. D is a "special ed/special needs" kid because he receives speech & language services as well as some OT. Other than the few issues he still has with speech and the fact that he is a teeny bit off on his mid-line abilities, he is like any other normal kid. Obviously, not all special ed/special need kids are this way.

It became apparent when I walked into the music room that today was not like the other times. There was one little boy who the main pre-k teacher, Mrs L, was keeping very close tabs on. He was earning pieces of a train with good behavior and following directions. Another little boy was sitting outside the classroom because something frightened him in the music room (the music teacher was wearing a belted mic system which may have been the cause). The rest of the kids were following the music teacher for the most part with the younger ones having a bit harder time. (My girl? Yeah, she was the one who didn't stand with the others, but stood front and center with the teacher. gah!)

On the way back to class I was in charge of the line and we stopped at the fountain for a sip of water. We walked quietly for the most part up the ramp past the library and into the classroom. Mrs. L was still very much involved with the same boy so the paraprofessional, Mrs. D, was telling the children what centers were open and letting them choose one by one which they wanted to go to.

At this time I was in charge of a cutting project. I find that most 3 yo's still have issues with cutting (thumbs up and scissors WIDE, when we cut) and even some 4 yo's too (heck, some Kindergartners still need help). It was good to have no more than 2 children there at a time and for some kids even just having one was good. This is where I got to meet R. He was the little boy sitting outside at music. He is obviously special needs, but I couldn't venture to guess what services he receives. He has trouble following directions sometimes and likes to be moving, but he also is a little boy who cut out his own paper even though Mrs. D told me that he couldn't. I helped him put his scissors on correctly, held the paper for him and HE cut it. He did beautifully and from then on, I was in love. I think the feeling was mutual because he talked to me quite a bit during snack time.

In the middle of center time, the class was called down for pictures. Anyone who has pre-k kids knows that disruption of the schedule sometimes can be a bit daunting. It is hard to just have to stop and start something else. The kids did great and only a few were behind pottying and washing hands before pictures. We went to library and some of the more active kids went first and then I took them back to the classroom to clean up and get ready for snack. By the time the classroom was cleaned up, tables wiped and readied for snack, the whole class was back and everyone lined up to wash. During this time, the main teacher was still close to the same little boy and I realized then that this class is FAR more of handful than the others I've been in the last two years. I did mention this to Mrs. D and she said that the afternoon class has its challenges as well because there are no "returning" pre-k'ers in that class. I found a new respect for Mrs. L and Mrs. D. Not once did I see them lose their cool or get angry. I saw frustration more than once, but it was definitely kept in check. I admire that greatly since I have a hot head and know how hard it is to keep a quiet voice when you really want to scream.

I also found that some of the hardest kids to deal with are also the ones I personally find the most joy in. The one little boy that Mrs. L was keeping tabs on thought about others and was kind. R might have a hard time following directions and keeping his body still, but he is lovable and sweet. Another little boy who has boundless energy has the happiest face I have EVER seen. He smiles ALL the time. While I'm sure the challenges of teaching these particular boys sometimes is overwhelming I can't help, but feel how lucky I am to be a part of it even though it is only a couple of days a month.

I guess what it comes down to is that children are all different. Sometimes the children who are MOST different and may present the biggest challenge to us are the ones that also have the power to give you complete joy in just knowing them and watching them grow. I was definitely blessed this morning and I look forward to going back next Thursday to do it again.