week reflection three

This week in the preschool was a lot of fun. This week I didn’t seem to learn anything new. It felt like it was all a blur when learning how to work in a classroom. I always feel like I am learning how to work with a specific child in order to get them to do stuff. Basically, I learn how to work with different types of kids everyday. Another thing I noticed is that they don’t always realize things as it happens. Friday was Molly and I’s last day and when we would tell them this was our last day, it didn’t seem to register in their brains. When we said good-bye to them, they said bye as if we would see them on Monday at school. I think it will really hit them when we aren’t there on Monday. I loved what I was doing. I have come to the conclusion that I am still interested in working in a preschool. The kids were so funny that it made it really enjoyable. We were never really asked to do a certain activity; we usually just do what is needed to be done. The only thing we are really asked to do is be outside with them while they are on the playground because they get hurt a lot outside and always want to play with people when running around on the playground. What surprised me this week was when the kids were finishing their craft project they really got into and stuck with it. It was really impressive. I will benefit from this experience because I will be able to use the skills I learned in the preschool when I baby-sit this summer and when hanging out with my little cousins who are around the same age as the preschoolers. I think I will be able to help them more and enjoy my time more with them, now that I have a better understand of what the needs are of those kids of age. It was a really fun week and I’m sad its over, but hopefully I will be able to play with some of these kids over the summer!

The Last day

Hourse worked (9:10-10:55) (11:45-12:30)

Today was the last day working at the pre school and Molly and I were sad to say goodbye to all the kiddies. We had the most amzing and rewarding expericance and I am so gald i was able to work with these kids. Over all I think I achived most of my goal with a few minors set back such as timing and what was age apporite but i learned about working with such a young group of kids and now I really don't want to stop. Today Molly and I did every thing that we alwasy did when helping out in the classroom. During snack time today Raz pulled Ani and Lindsay away and when they came back they had two relly big bags in their hands ne for each of us. Inside of them were a metal painted frog that you could hang on the wall and it said thank you Hannah, Sr project 08 and all of the kids names on it. We were so blown away and the teaqchers were so thankful of everything that we did with them in th classroom. But because Molly and I have to finish a project with some of the kids, we are going back ontuesday day to do so and also give them their jouranls. Molly and I spent all afternoon in the tech dept printing pictures of the kids and making sure they had everything in their journals before they got sent home, it was a long and frustaing afternoon. I am looking forward to the last part and showing how much fun we had with the kids and how we grew to love each and evey one of them.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Hourse Worked (8:00-12:30)

The preschoolers we great today and Molly and I had alot to do. I got there a bit early, when my mother was dropping of the decorants for the cupcakes, whitch we great fun for the kids and yummy. Today we finished our pond scene art proects with the kids and they all turned out real. Altough the kids tend to go a bit crazy with the glue and the beeds. All and all the projects turne out really great and each of them were very different to the styles of the stdent. I am begging to see where the kids strength are and how some take their time when working on projects or in centers, compared to the kids who rush through the projects that have been planned. After all the daily morning rutines it was time for out side time. Molly and I took three kids at a time back into the classroom, we told them it was a "secret project" and that they weren't alowed to tell anyone. We had set up a try full of srpinkles, jelley beans, smarties bascily a try of suger and four differen't forstings. With that the kids decorated cupcakes for my Birthday and were alowed to have them after they had all finished their lunach and were sitting quietly at the table. I got many "thank you for the cupcakes" and "Happy birthday Hannah". I amd going to really miss these kids.

A Short Day!!

Hours worked (8:00-10:45)
Today was another short day, today was also library day. Molly and I did the usual morning routine consisting of, playing with the kids during their free time in the morning and helping with snack. Because today was library day a large portion of the group went over to the Andover public library. Molly, Raz and I stayed behind and did centers with the others. I was watching the sandbox and listening to the kids say how the sand felt between their toes. Wednesdays are different kind of days for us to come in. Because we are not around for centers and we are missing a lot of kids it is hard to plan an activity although we have found ways to keep introducing our topic to the kids. Today I showed a few the legs on our tadpole Lagan shouted "they're turnin' into frogs" and they seem excited about that. Last night we put together another news letter to be sent home to the parents tell them what we did with their kids. This afternoon I looked over the letter one last time and then with many failed attempts try and attack it to an e-mail only to find that the file was to big. Finally I though to put the news letter on the sever and thank goodness that worked. I walked the printed copy over to the pre-school and left it on Raz's desk with a note. Molly and I are dreading the end and having to say goodbye to our many friends.

"I CAN SEE THE LEGS"!!!

As always we started off our morning spending some times with the kids, I had a lovey time diving in the play-dough making french fires and flatten it out and then stamping in shapes and faces. Today we had reading buddies and music with Bill. Molly, Raz's daughter is reading buddies with Lagan and she went to the bathroom and Lagan was left alone and I want to go and sit with him. When Molly got back she was very upset to see me sitting with her reading buddies. WE had a fun time playing on the playground. We pushed the kids the swings. The black flies are killer and they attack you from all angles and there is no way to get away. Once we got back to the preschool we had the puppet show. I love seeing the kids laughing at the scene going on in front 

of them. I have learned a lot about working with such young kids. A lot of them love doing art projects but they have a hard time sticking with a project, but the kids that do take their working on the projects, they through process is so wonderful to watch. On little boy will draw beautiful pictures of the tadpole tank with a lot of details. This was the 3rd of going to music and some of them are in to the music and some are not at all.  I love watching them learn, dance and sing of course.  At the very end of the day one of the little boys was looking  in the tank and they noticed one of the frogs has begun to grow legs and we are very excited and so are the kids, we hope they keep growing and don't kill each other.

Frog Eyes

Hours worked (8-9:10) - (10:10-12:00)

Yet again today was a little chilly and we had a small group today. Today Molly and I did another one of our frog related projects. We used egg cartons and cut out the egg holders and used them as frog eyes. Then through the week the kids are going to work on their ponds. By drawing what they see in ponds and where a frog lives. We are also going to be using pipe cleaners and sparkles to create the idea of pond life. But we also helped out with daily routines. Out side time was fun today, we went over to the football field to run around and get some of their energy, all craved for lots attention but there was one student who longed to have one on one time with some one. Molly and I commonly hear "I love you" and today I got a kiss from Ani. For the remainder of out side time she wanted me to run around with her and try and kiss her... I never got her. We had frog races, where we would hop from one end of the field to the next, but I think their favorite part was being able to say "on you mark... get set.. GO"!! They would all hop off laughing a screaming having the a ball. Tomorrow Molly and I don't have to plan anything because we have reading buddies at AEMS and music with Bill. We are looking forward to the rest of our week and we are sad to see it coming to an end.

Week reflection two

(17 and a half hours worked this week)

I can't believe that is the end of week two already they have flown by. What I learn this week that not every one is going to like the projects that have been prepared to do during centers. For example the day that we made frog pretzels, as a finished product not all the kids liked the whole wheat pretzels. One Thursday Molly and I planned to have a musical guest come and sing frogs song with the kids, but he was really late and come right when nap time was starting, so we were unable to sing our froggie songs. I have planned on sing the song and them writing about it in their journals, and this week we were planning on Thomas coming sometime this up coming week but he is really sick. As a fall back plan I am going to as my father if he has the time. We are not asked to do anything, because we know what we need to do, so we go ahead and do it. I am doing a lot more interacting with the kids then I expected, but I like it this way because, we get to know the kids better and form better relationships with them which I love and I love being with the kids. Over I really enjoyed everything we did this week. Every thing from playing Tadpole Tadpole Frog again, going to the gym, coloring frogs in our journals, even when Lagan put his snotty little nose in my mouth and so much more. I must say my favorite is playing with the kids out side playing games and just seeing them laugh and smile. I always enjoy being with those kids and working with them and seeing how they see the different things that we are teaching them. I am so glad i am working with these kids and at the proctor preschool every body there is so wonderful, I wouldn't have it any other way.

YUMMY FROGS!

Hours Worked (9:10- 10:55) (11:45-12:30).

Today I brought in the dough for our frog pretzels, and made the eggie paint for a little added color to the frogs pretzels. We helped out during snack and sat down to morning meeting and decided the weather, date and the month. during centers we had the kids shape their little dough ball into anything they wanted. Some used cookie cutters, other rolled the dough in their hands. A lot of kids made tadpoles. It was fun to see how the kids interpret how the tadpoles looked, and hearing the kids remarks when they were toughing the dough. Some said "it's sticky", "it's gooey", "it's sticking to me hands and I don't like it". They make me laugh so much. While the kids went to the gym for some free time Molly and I stayed behind in the classroom to be with the pretzels while they cooked, and to use up the rest of the dough because we didn't want to wast any of it. I left before they got back, because I had to go to class, but when I got back I was in time for outside time. We played the slide and one of the little girls was very put off and annoyed. We helped the kids settle down and get ready to each their lunch. We handed out the pretzels. All the kids were enjoying them, but the chain reaction happened, once one kid said they didn't like it, then they all say they don't like it. today and the whole week was so much fun and I am sad we are going in to our last week. Next week Molly and I are going to bring in another treat into the classroom and Molly and I are going to add a little to their journals before they take them home.

With Minor blog problems

Lsat night I had some trouble connecting the sight so I wrote my blog in a word document while sitting at home.
Hours worked ( 9:10-12:30)
Today was kind of gloomy, and the weather was not so great. We were down a lot of kids due to illness and becoming a big sister. Molly and I hung out with the kids during their free time and today they had a bit longer and Raz made the kids a special treat to have during snack, French Toast yummy!!! During centers today Molly and I played matching with the kids. During the puppet show and out side time I made the kids a matching game using the sequence of frogs and different colors showing the different stages. Sam Payson was support to come and play music for the kids to sing along to, but he did not come until after lunch when all the kids were settling down for nap time and we did not want to get them all excited again, so we are going to try again next week. Molly printed more photos for our project and for the kids to keep in the end to put in their journals. Tonight I made dough for the kids to make frog pretzels during centers, and I still feel like there is a lot of dough sitting under my finger nails. I am hoping that every things is going to work out for tomorrow. And sorry about entering the blog late.

ever put together a frog?

Hours Worked (8:15-11) and (6:50-7:50)
Wonderful Wednesday!! Today was great again, sun was out and the weather brought warmth and the kids were great. Today it seemed like we had a really small group even thought it was only by two kids. We started off our morning by playing with the kids with this green goo. They were cutting it, rolling it in their hand and getting it all over them. At 9ish we sat down for snack time. and Lagan told me that he loved my by rubbing my face. Today was library so half the group went to the Andover library and the others stayed back in the classroom where we read book. Molly and I colored our pieces to our frog puzzle and handed out the pieces to the teacher. Once all the kids got back to the library we sat down for morning meeting and during the middle i had to dash and go to french class. Tonight Molly and I printed pictures for out finale presentation and for the kids journal. Tomorrow Sam Payson is coming in to the classroom, to sing a song. Over all everything was wonderful and is going great.

"Can we squeeze a frog"

Hours worked (8-12:30)

Tuesday brought warmth and sun shine and I wasn't cold thank god. Today a handful of the kids finished their frog sequence in the morning during free time. After free time everyone sat down for snack, before heading over to the recording studio for some music and dancing with Bill. Once we got back to the classroom some of the centers were all set up and ready for after morning meeting. Molly and I did a journal center, the kids who didn't finish their frog sequence they completed them, and then drew pictures of frogs the pond and for some reason their houses. I had a blast playing outside with the kids. We played tadpole tadpole frog again, and molly got some great shoots with camera and we are excited to print them. Molly and I are forming some great bonds with the kids and we find them opening up to us every time we go in to the classroom. This openness get me thrilled to work with them day after day.

"Frogs are slimy"

Day one of week two went well, and I was freezing the whole day. We didn't really have an activity planned for centers because of mothers day, but we planned with the kids all morning and did puzzles during center time. Today I got there really early this morning. When I came into the classroom and I checked on the classroom and I noticed that one of the tadpoles had a slit in their tale and I had no idea who it got there. Molly and I didn't do much about frogs today but we did drawings of frogs this morning, Joe had drawn a picture of a frog and wanted to put it in his journal. Molly and I have learned a lot about the kids in the class and how patient we have to be and provide equal love to all the kids even if some kids may be harder to love then others. For the rest of the week Molly and I have planned a lot of great activities for the week including pretzels, Frog eyes and art project made out of egg cartons but I am excited for the rest of the week.

Reflection week one!!

Now that the first week of Sr project is over, I find myself very happy with the our outcome. The teacher were extremely upbeat throughout the week, and the kids excited about the projects, activities, games and our in classroom tadpoles. Molly's and I Monday morning started out with a bit of photocopying for the kids to make their science journals. In their science journals the kids will be all their froggie projects, and changes in our tadpoles. On Monday Molly and I were welcomed with open arms into the classroom, by the kids and teachers. When we entered we could hear the kids whisper "who are you Razzie". While cutting out the 20 copies of the frogs, a boy named Jim walked over and began talking to us. He asked us "what our favorite cloud and TV show is". And when we asked him what his favorite frog is he said "a blue frog" and when we asked him what a blue frog was he said that is was a frog that ate a lot of blueberries and they turned blue. After all the frogs had been cut out, Molly and I played with the kids. We tried Hot dog coffee and got hot soup poured on us. Once I came back from french, it was time for outside time when we played a long round of "Tadpole. Tadpole, Frog" or "Duck, Duck, Goose". Our first day was spent learning how they go about their day, and when we would be doing our forgo activities, and on the next day we were staring to bring a little more froggieness into the classroom. Tuesday morning we brought in our tadpoles, the kids were very interested in them. A few of them wanted to draw them, so we got out their science journals. Molly and I also meet some new kids. On Tuesday the kids go over to the Andover Elementary middle school for reading buddies, in one of the 5th grade classes. After reading buddies, the kids were able to play on the playground, lots of kids hopped around like frogs. Each day Molly and I brought a new frog fact day, to try and give them a basic understanding about frogs. Wednesdays our short of us, because of the shortened classes, we didn't spend much time in the classroom.But in the short time we did have, While part of the group whet to the library to read books, Molly and I took a small group of kids to the Pound to go frog hunting. We found one frog sitting in the grass. We asked what the frog was doing, why is was doing that. What do you think he is thing and what color is the frog. Going to the pond was great because all the kids were really excited and loved looking at the frog sitting in the grass. Thursday was hard. The kids were tired, and had a hard time sticking with a project. Some kids would start and finish the frog sequence while others would run off without finishing their work, which made it hard. But Molly and I learned that not everybody is going to be Abel to stick with the project, some are going to like and others are going to lose focus. there was also a lot of crying that day, it was hard. We learned that not everyday is going to run smoothly. Friday was better, we went to the pond again and we cough our first frog. We allowed the kids who wanted to touche the frog. We got a wide range of remarks from "it sticky" "It's slimy" "Can we squeeze it"? Again during out side time, well this time we went to the gym, kids were hopping around making frog nosies and wanting to be caught by the frog catcher aka Molly and I. Our first week was up lifting, and because of the large amount of activity going on in the classroom, the last two week are looking bright. I learning a great deal of who young kids learn and when they run out of steam, like us at the very end of the week. I am looking forward to having my nap time every day after lunch if only that could Happen. Monday is going to bring us new exciting moments and Molly and I have some great activities lined up.

TGIF

Friday what a tiring week, and although I was not there in the morning, the day still went well, the kids were a lot better today. I came in around snake time, and after we were going on a filed trip to the Proctor Gym. The gym allowed them to run around and get some of their energy out, and because it was a little chilly today we didn't go frog hunting, but i told the kids that we would go again and we would look for more frogs. I was sad because most of my time at the gym was in the bathroom. Once one kid said they needed to go then all of a sudden they all have to go. One by one, I took the kids in to the bathroom, and by the time all the kids had gone to the bathroom, it was time to head back to the classroom. Today during centers Molly and I Friday, although I was not there right in to morning, the day went well. Everybody was tired and ready for the weekend to come. We went on a field trip to the Proctor Gym today. Ani and Lilly C were talking about the different kind of stuffed animals they had at home and which ones they would sleep with and the whole conversation was spoken through a high pitched giggle. At the gym, the kids ran around, while some of them were hoping pretending to be frogs, who wanted to be caught. They would hop up right in front of Molly and I and say "now the frog wants to be caught" so we would pick them up, tickle their tummy and then let out little forggie go. Once we got back it was time for centers. Molly and I taught the kids how to write the letter F and then some of the kids wanted to write out Frog. They all did really well. After we also feed our pet tadpole. The tadpoles have started to grow legs, and the kids are able to see the legs coming out next to the their long tail. This week has gotten me really excited about the next and the activities we are going to be doing. But the kids have really run me ragged. After chasing them around the playground, holding crying children, sing, dancing, reading, opening snakes and a little frog hunting I am looking forward to my nap time, a very long nap time. Next week Molly and I have some great things planned.

Tiring Day Three

Hours worked (8:30-12:30)

Today was a little rough, the kids were tired and were crying a lot. Molly and I were really tired too, working with preschoolers can really run you down. Molly and I got there during free time and we played with the kids. And some kids of the kids colored in a picture of a frog with a crown on. After we sat down for morning meeting with the kids and we decided the weather and what day of the week it was and Fenn was the riddler, his riddle was about Milk. During centers we did a frog sequence from tadpole to frog and glued it into their journals. They have a habit of putting a lot of glue in one place and yelling "it isn't sticking"and they get really sticky fingers and play with my hair, that is my favorite part. It was a bummer only a few kids did our center, which is okay but some kids have more in their journals then others. Two of the boys have a problem sticking with a project until the end. We went to the pond today as a group which was fun. We caught and looked for frogs again. I caught a big Bull frog and the kids were able to touch it. They responded about the feeling. They said everything from it's slimy" to "it's slippery" and "can we squeeze it". We looked at his feet and the webbed toes. They compared the frog's feet to a ducks. We also looked at his ears. Once we put the frog back in to the pond, we all watched it swim away. They yelled "look at the bubble" and "he is swimmin' fast, look how fast he is swimmin'". After we went to the baseball field and we ran around the bases. But I made a quick stop at the health center to wash my hands to rid of the frogginess and to get some disinfecting gel for the kids hands who touched the frogs. One of the little boys was scared to go close to the pond because he didn't want the frog to jump up and splash water into his eye. While we ere at the baseball field, the kids were rolling down the hill shouting "hey Hannah, watch me", about 100 times in a row. Once we went back to school we helped them get lunch and while they were napping we worked on our new letter to be sent home to the parents. Even though today was tiring, it was still wonderful and I have learned that not every day is going to be perfect and run smoothly.

Hip Hop Day Three

Hours worked (8-10:45)
Today was a short day at the pre-school because I was only there for a few hours. As soon as we walked in to the classroom we feed the tadpoles, and we are hoping that they ate the food. Today was exciting because it was the first time that we took the kids to the pond. I read "Frog and Toad" and "Better Move on Frog" to Lagan, Garrett, Joe and Fenn. There was a time during the morning where the group was split up into groups. A majority of them went to the library across the street. The rest of us made bracelets out of pipe cleaners and shaped beads for Mother's Day. We talked about different ways to create them such as doing patterns. Some of them were good at it and others just did whatever they felt. We had to test it out to make sure it worked so the other kids could make them when they got back! After Molly and I took the rest to go on a frog hunt. We saw lots of tadpoles swimming around, and a big dark green frog sitting among the tall weeds. As we were pointing out the big frog to each of the students the younger group in the daycare walked by and we ended up showing them the frog as well. They loved it! We couldn't catch it because it was too far away. The students are really excited about the tadpole tank, and every morning they love watching them swimming around and floating up in the bubbler. It was a good day enjoyed by all.

FROGIE DAY TWO

Hours worked (8-12:15)

Today started with me carrying over the tadpoles we had collected the previous evening, I spilled water all down my front, for a little while my hands smelled like the Proctor Pond. Once the tank was brought into the room, excitement began to buzz. Garette asked, "are these rattle snakes" and Jesse, Garette's twin brother said he found an egg. I told some of the preschoolers that these were tadpoles or baby frogs, and one day they are going to turn in to frogs. We met three new students tonight. Ruth, Lagen and Sophia. We had a little mix up with nature journals today because Ruth told us her name was Lilly, we are not quite sure why. A handful of the kids sat down in front of the tank and drew in their nature journals, what they saw in the tank. A few of the kids wanted to write in their journals about the tadpole, so Molly and I dictated from them and wrote down their thoughts. A lot of our day was spent playing with the kids. We went to music with Bill at the recording studio, we danced like flowers, sand the dinosaur bones song. After we walked over to the Andover Elementary Middle School where they had reading buddies in the 5th grade. After reading buddies, as a treat they were able to play on the playground. Molly and I pushed a handful of the kids on the swings. We walked back to the classroom and we enjoyed a puppet show the "Pre-School Soap Oprah"and a little princes was sick and she had to go to the hospital, because she was dehydrated. The last thing we did was, we played with them out side. Joe was hoping around on a hipitehop "ribiting", he would commonly fall off the bed. Before leaving to go to lunch, we helped them find their lunch boxes and get ready for lunch. We was a lack in spoons, this was a big problem in the classroom. Lagan about the "sea creatures" in the tank. We had another great day and we look forward to going back tomorrow

WAHOO DAY ONE

5/5/08, Written at 8:20

Our morning was filled with excitement and thrill and a little bit of nerves. After, we photocopied 20 frogs and we headed over to the classroom. Entering the classroom we heard whispers saying, "who are they" from all around the room. We sat down squeezing our butts on to the chairs and we proceeded to cut out the 20 copied frogs to make the nature journals. Jim, was the the first little boy we talked to. Molly said "It was like I was hit on by a 4 year old". We asked Jim what his favorite kind of frog was he said, "a blue frog". I asked, "What is a blue frog" and he simply responded "it is a frog that ate a lot of blueberries and then turned blue from them." Today was the first time I have ever tried "hot dog coffee" and I was burned by soup and sliced into thousands of pieces by tiny plastic knifes. Unfortunately, I had to leave the pre-school and go to french. When I returned Molly had been working at the centers, and kids were coloring their frogs in vibrant un-frog like colors. We helped them write their names if they were unable to, but if they could we let them do it themselves. We also helped them glue their frogs on to their nature journals. After the table had been sterilized, we sat down and enjoyed a delightful reading from Amy, one of the teachers. I have never felt more like a lazy boy because of all the children laying on top of me. Joe, a small very high spirited boy was sitting on me, and was taken by my rings, and how they moved around my finger. Katie, another student, told me that my necklace reminded her of bubble game, and that she wanted to eat it. I replied that I would be very sad if she ate my candy looking necklace. Tiny little shoes and jackets were pulled on and lots of love for the Boston Red Soxs was shown through Jesse and Garrett's clothing. We played with the kids outside while Katie and a few other kids built a sand castle. My energy was released by chasing all the kids around as they shouted "Try and get me". Then they would run away giggling. Molly and I played "tadpole, tadpole, frog" which is the same as "duck duck goose" but with focus to our unit. After we went inside, we helped them get ready for lunch. I was asked by two kids if i could sit with them at lunch, but sadly enough, Molly and I had to go over to the dinning hall. At that time we had finished, and headed off to lunch, tiny voices called out "where are you going", we told them that we were going to be back tomorrow to play some more. After lunch, Molly and I had a meeting with Raz to talk about the day, and how we felt it went. Over all it went smoothly and I had so much fun working with the kids and I'm looking forward to going back tomorrow. After working at school, Molly and I planned our lessons for the next few days. After dinner we set up our tadpole tank, with help from Sarah. 4 tadpoles are sitting into the bio room, awaiting a travel to the other side of the campus to be observed by tiny little eyes. Over all I worked 5 hours today.