This is it...

I feel like a better teacher.  I also feel like I am ready to move forward in my education.  it was very nice being back in the classroom.  Like I have said before, it's nice to be reminded why I went back to school full time.  I have learned a lot about my teaching strengths, and things I need to work on.  I have learned a lot about what I like in my classroom, and what I will not do in my classroom.  Basically, I have learned a lot.
I am thankful for the experience to be apart of two different classes.  Not only were they based upon different philosophies, the classrooms were different because, well, they were different. 
Thanks to my teachers, you guys in class, and my family for making this possible.  I cannot lie, I am very much looking forward to these couple of weeks before summer school when I can be with my daughter, go to the farmer's market, and dust off my bicycle. 

It's a wonderful feeling when you get to work and you are bombarded with hugs.  These children have impacted me, just as I have them, and I look forward to continue to watch them grow as my daughter may be joining their class.
Thanks to Kathleen, Mary Webb, Bri, Andrea, Melissa, Jackie, Jamie, Jennie, and Sarah!  I needed my Fridays in which I was able to vent and get feedback about my theme days and lesson plans.  You all were a great support.
And, thank you, Asiya for creating a learning environment in which I felt comfortable and inspired to continue my education. 
Namaste!

What a Difference Curriculum Makes

HCDC is quite a change from Head Start.  I have to say it is a breath of fresh air to be back in an early childhood classroom that reminds me of why I chose this career in the first place. 
I quit my job two years ago to become a full time student working towards my degree in Early Childhood Education here at the community college.  I had an infant, was directing a preschool, and taking a few classes... it was just too much.  After being in classes for a couple years, I think I was beginning to lose sight of why I had chosen this path for myself.  HCDC has made me realize (again) why:  I am good at what I do, I love what I do, I am fulfilled by what I do, and I become a better person from what I do.  What do I do?  I work with young children!
The African Kingdom is a large classroom, with up to 19 children ranging from 2.5-4 years, and no less than 10 until after 4 o'clock in the afternoon.  Transitions with this many children at this age are going to be interesting, but I feel like the could be less chaotic -- especially after lunch into bathroom, teeth brushing, and napping.  The teachers get caught up in their side talk because one teacher is just arriving, one is getting ready to leave, and everyone needs to be caught up on the day's events.  The thing is, they usually start talking about other, personal things as well.  Today, for example, there was a 4-teacher conversation about IKEA while the children were eating.  When this is going on, it's hard for me to keep my children engaged at the table.  I had a lot of boys growling at each other until they were almost blue in the face!  And magically, when the teacher side-talk ceased, I had the attention of the children.
Overall, I feel more at home at HCDC than I do at Head Start, and at the same time, I like Head Start more because I am going to get my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.  The classroom I am in now needs more structure and the one I just came from needs to lessen the reigns.
As I have said before, it is all a learning experience and I am grateful for every moment of it.

We've been having so much fun!