Teaching is my Heart

          As I saw all the children's art on the wall, I thought to myself I really want to go back to teaching again. I miss it so much. Nothing has made me happier then seeing children's art on the wall and recognizing that some of that art is the same are that I am doing with the children I have now. It is like just seeing their art on the wall gave me the encouragement that I need to keep pushing forwards where I am now.
           Teaching is my heart. That is who I am no matter the background of the child. That is how I grew up and learn to do things. I might not have them for a year but that doesn't mean we should stop teaching them altogether. It might be a different program or way we use but surely there is something out that. If not, let's be the first to make it.
            Teaching is my heart. I miss the organization that comes with teaching. I miss the calmness that also comes with it on most days. It is hard to explain to people. Loving to teach is a special feeling that God gives you. You know you are making a different in those children's lives and you see it. Yeah, you can teach with play there is more of a chance to see it faster if you teach it to them. They need to know how to follow directions and how to act around other children but they need to be taught that. We are teaching anyways everyday so why not make it fun instead of feeling like we are doing the same things over every day.
              Being a teacher's kid, that is one of my problems. I get bored too easily and don't want to stay in one spot for so long especially since my mom was the hands on type of teacher.  I love being creative with the children and seeing what they can come up with or how they make things. I love being able to see what they can do and what they cannot do. I saw this 2 year old girl one time that knew how to hold a fat marker just right. Not only did she hold the marker just right, she also held the paper right while she was drawing on it. That is not something to expect a 2 year old. They are still learning or just learning how to draw and what paper and coloring is. It is moments like those that make my day.
               It is especially special when you see special needs children or children that are developmentally behind learn something new for the first time and know that you taught them that. They might remember you because you taught them something that was important. It is special when you can get them caught up where they should be even if it is feeling wise or behaviorally or all of the above. To me, when I see the children doing the same things over everyday for weeks, I feel like they are learning nothing. Granted I do see some changes in behaviors and physical when is good but there are ways to be sure that they do.
               This is my soapbox because like I said teaching is my heart and I love to see children learn. I just think that if we get so caught up in everyday work that we are not teaching the children anything at all because we feel like we have to get everything done. Maybe that is just me and my perfectionism but still it somewhat makes sense especially in today's busy world. Why do you think parents are dropping children off at daycares these days even with the payment so high?
               Anyways, just some thoughts about children and learning again. I do really miss teaching though. I also miss everything that comes with it feelings and all but now I know.