Hooray for Teachers!

I am truly in awe of teachers, primarily kindergarten teachers. To supervise 20+ kids at one time and actually have to "teach" them how to read and write is such a monumental task that it really is a travesty that they aren't paid more. Not only are they not paid enough, but where is even the respect they surely deserve? I wouldn't even attempt to teach my kids so I am grateful there are people out there who do so because they love the job.

I worked in Lauryn's kindergarten class today. She only has 3 hours a day of class, not nearly enough time to cram everything in that is required of the day's lesson plan. Someone mentioned today that the kids don't get any "play" time anymore. Of course they don't. From the moment they walk into the class the day is full of tasks.

The kids start off with the good morning song, followed by the pledge of allegiance and another song about our country. Then there is calendar time where the kids count the days of the month, fill in the day of the week and the month. There is circle time where they go over a poem they need to memorize. Then it's right to stations where they have about 10 minutes at a table to do a worksheet, learn a color or read a story... before they switch and go to yet another station. Hmmm... then comes the King or Queen for the day. One child is picked each day and the other kids have to draw a picture of that person. Then they learn about vertical and horizontal. (Hard to say much less learn about.) Snack and outdoors time (about 15 minutes). Back inside to do more circle time tasks, read a story, practice writing and prepare to go home. It's a lot to do in one day.

And try teaching all this when half the 4 year olds don't listen, when there is always one kid who disrupts the class, hands going up every few minutes to use the bathroom, people coming in and out of the classroom, and having to stop and explain to us parent volunteers what they need help with.

I know I could never be a teacher. And yes, I am truly grateful to those that choose to do so.

The Little Things

Sometimes it's the little things that make your day.

I got "the" letter in the mail today from Highlands Elementary School (my kids' school) letting us know that Lauryn got morning kindergarten with Mrs. Dominguez. Exactly what I wanted. I know, I know... not that big a deal in the scheme of things, but when something works out just like you wanted it to... well, that's kind of a nice thing.

Yes, my last baby will be starting kindergarten in one month. Hard to believe that all my kids will be in elementary school (although all three get out at different times). Whatever will I do with my three hours a day?

I don't get why Santa Clarita is the only school system in Los Angeles that doesn't do full-day kindergarten. Honestly, my daughter has been going to preschool for 2 1/2 years already... I think she can handle a full day of class. I've worked in the kindergarten classes... they barely have time to zip through the material they have. It's rush, rush, rush from one project to another. And how are kids supposed to learn at this pace? I seem to remember when I was a kid, we spent weeks on end just learning how to write an "a". (Funny how the "a" we learned in no way reflects the typewritten "a".)

Oh well... I will not be the mother who stands outside the door with a tear down my eye wondering if my baby is missing me. Oh please... life moves on... kids get older... heck, I'm getting older. Lauryn will handle it just fine... just like Temera and Amanda did. I won't be sad... I'll be at Starbucks enjoying my peace and quiet. Even if it's just for three hours a day.