Today I volunteered in a local kindergarten class. This is the teacher with whom I first started volunteering in the reading program seven years ago. She is an amazing teacher. She tells me all the time how much she loves her job. She’s doing what they call “looping” now. She has kindergarteners first then has the same group of students the following year as first graders. It’s a new trend in education, or so my overly educated (three master’s degrees in education) daughter tells me.
Today she discussed the concept of less and more with them. It’s great for me to observe them, sitting in a circle, as she explains how to determine which jar has more and which basket has less. She comes up with terrific examples, and they enthusiastically respond, “YES!” or “NO!” She has to be exhausted when she goes home every day!
As for my own communication with them–I find I do better with the second- and third-graders than the kindergarteners. It seems as if I expect them to know more letters, sounds, and numbers than they do. I have to keep reminding myself that they’re in kindergarten. They’ll all be big ole first-graders next year at this time. I’ll even be able to have conversations with them then.
After I left the school, I headed over to the (indoor) tennis court. I played a doubles match for fun with a few of my friends.
I had hoped to hear from my sister today. She’s the only sibling I have left, and she moved to Virginia about six months ago. She’s been in the area for a week and I have yet to see her. She’ll be here until January 17th. I remain hopeful that I will see her before she leaves. She’s not too keen on my political leanings, but that goes both ways. She has made contact with our niece since she’s been around, just not me.
In the meantime, I’m trying to decide if I should take the train to Kansas City, as I had planned, at the end of the month, for the folk music conference I need to attend, or if I should try to drive. It’s a long drive, and I’m concerned about the weather. Given what’s been happening with the airlines, I don’t want to fly. The incident that happened today with flights getting cancelled make me think I made a good decision to get an Amtrak reservation rather than one on a plane. I’m still waffling, though. I’m going to keep track of the weather and then decide whether or not to keep the train reservation or drive.
Hasta mañana, folks…
Wanda Fischer
Schenectady, New York
January 11, 2023
I could never teach elementary, especially kindergarten. My hat is off to you for even volunteering with those kids! And yes, I have no doubt that teacher is tired every day. I know I am. Lol!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Yvette, I’m leaving my comment for Wanda here. It didn’t go through down below.
Hi, Wanda! Just thinking about you choosing to ride the train to Kansas City. I used to travel by train all the time, but it’s been years. I’d be interested to hear how your journey was if you do that. There’s an article I’ve been holding on to about Amtrak’s Coast Starlight. It starts in Seattle and ends in Los Angeles. It’s called one of America’s most beautiful train rides. Maybe, one day.
I like your description of the kindergartners. Less and more is one of the concepts my grandson is learning in pre-school. He blew me away when he sprung it on me one day.
This teacher is a gem, as are all teachers, in my opinion. They (and you) pour out their hearts and souls every day, and they get so little respect in return. If anyone has anything bad or pejorative to say about teachers, send them my way! I’ll set them straight!
Hi, Wanda! Just thinking about you choosing to ride the train to Kansas City. I used to travel by train all the time, but it’s been years. I’d be interested to hear how your journey was if you do that. There’s an article I’ve been holding on to about Amtrak’s Coast Starlight. It starts in Seattle and ends in Los Angeles. It’s called one of America’s most beautiful train rides. Maybe, one day.
I like your description of the kindergartners. Less and more is one of the concepts my grandson is learning in pre-school. He blew me away when he sprung it on me one day.
Hi Linda–I probably will take Amtrak to Kansas City. I reserved a sleeping car. I’m just so wary of going to an airport and being stuck there. Of course, something could happen with a train, too, but I’m leaning that way.
Most of the kids in the classrooms where I volunteer are inner-city students. They crack me up, most of the time. My grandchildren all live far away from me, so perhaps these kids fill in for the ones I don’t get to see.
Hello, Wanda,
I admire your willingness to work with young children. You are an inspiration to me. Keep doing that. It keeps you agile, flexible, and young!!
If I were you, I would stay with the train reservation. It still winter in that part of the country and the weather could surprise you. I wouldn’t want to be stuck in an airport for two or three days, and I wouldn’t want to drive either. From what you have said in A Day In My Life, you have been pretty busy and probably don’t know how tired you are. The train sounds like the best option.
As for your sister, you’ve said one important sentence that hit me. You said, “I only have one sister…” Well, Sweetheart, I wouldn’t wait for her to call, I would call her. Regardless of your differences of opinion, she’s your only sister and you love her. Then show that love by giving her a call. You never know what tomorrow will bring, so don’t wait on tomorrow or for her to call first.
Sorry, I rabbled off but this is from my heart.
Sending you a big hug out of Europe.
Shalom aleichem
Wanda, I admire your volunteering with wee ones, a great use of your time and talents. About your sister, I hope you get to see her. Family relationships are sometimes tricky. And finally, I wish you a safe trip to Kansas City, whatever mode of transportation you choose.
Wanda, I’m sorry to send multiple posts of the same comment. If I don’t see the first one I send, I’ll send the same one again. I’ll give it a little longer from now on.
Wanda, you are admirable, with all your volunteer work! I hope you see your sister, despite the political differences. They are so small when you reflect on it. As for the train, go for it! It sounds fun, with the sleeper car, and you can let us in on it in a blog! Think “North by Northwest” but I hope without all the drama and rock climbing (only kidding!)
Hi, Wanda! I admire you for volunteering with all those kids. I share your regard for teachers, and I extend it to volunteers. I’m sure you make those teachers’ lives a little easier. Why not call your sister and arrange a lunch date? It would be a shame to waste her trip because of a difference of opinion. At least half of our kids hold passionately to their political opinions which are different from mine. We talk about other things when we’re together, and it works. Love is far greater than politics! The train, especially having a sleeper cabin, sounds like fun!
Blessings!
Patty
In the past, I’ve substituted at the local Nursery. Since both my daughters made me stay with them at the 3-year Nursery, I knew by heart all the songs and games that I was able to help out the following year when my youngest daughter entered Kindergarten. I was always involved in their homework and helping them if they didn’t understand a subject in school. I would have been a good teacher, but I didn’t think it was a challenging enough career when I was in college. It’s too bad since teaching is easy to return to after a few years.