Today was my first day volunteering at preschool. For some reason I had visions of sitting back and watching the day unfold, my little man displaying his dynamic social skills while trying to resist darting off to the playground. But no. I had a job. A real job. I was in charge of a project. By myself.
While setting up my project I may have been thinking to myself I’ve got this, I’ve managed way more complicated art projects at home with four kids of differenat ages, wait until they see my multi-tasking + overflowing patience combo.
I soon learned several valuable lessons:
- Another child’s boogers are much grosser than your own child’s.
- I don’t drink enough coffee.
- Some children have fantastic small motor skills, some children break crayons.
- Scissors should never be passed out ahead of time.
- Neither should markers.
- Or glue.
- Two gallons of glue on one paper plate will never dry. Never.
- The cute scarf used to accessorize your outfit can turn into a strangulation device in the hands of a child whose glue has been confiscated.
- You can only watch one child after another attempt to use scissors for so long before you “help” and cut out the circles yourself.
- I like all children, but I really, really like my own.
Now that I am completely enlightened, I can’t wait to do it again.
After a nap and a pot of coffee and if, and only if, the project contains no glue.
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I volunteer at the big kid’s elementary school, but pre k? no freaking way…for all of those reasons above…
and honestly? sometimes doing Kindergarten last year was an exercise in patience…
Congrats on the top 9! Good note! No scarves when volunteering at pre-school!
My son’s preschool is a co-op preschool, so I’m in the classroom every few weeks. I love it, but wow, it’s exhausting. Those “young 2s” can get into a lot of trouble.
Avoid the glue. And fingerpaint. I had the fingerpaint day. Yikes.
Great list! I am not sure how preschool teachers make it through every day. I gave up on my scarf today and just gave it to one of the twins so she could tie herself up (instead of me :-)). Take care.
You’re right, we wrote very similar thoughts about pre-school — and I really related to the one about all the kids saying the exact same thing, with pride. Fun read!
The lessons you have listed are all true. Good luck on what you are doing right now.
You’re a saint! I love this: Two gallons of glue on one paper plate will never dry. Never.
It’s awesome to be able to spend time at our kids’ schools – such a blessing. But, oh, how I always leave needing a nap. I am not gifted in the area of patience…
I seriously thought I could manage it but it was crazy, not sure how those preschool teachers do it!
So funny, and true! I love little ones, but these are the reasons I teach middle school!
As for the scissors, twice, my preschooler had come home with holes cut in his shirt, “just to see if it would cut”…I can’t even imagine the glue! 🙂
I didn’t know you taught middle school, my husband is a middle school principal. I’m not sure I could handle the middle schoolers either.
Glue and glitter, I do believe, are all the proof I’ll ever need that the devil is real.
Ha! Very very true.
You’re my hero.
I would teach Hamlet to bored teenagers every day of my life before voluntarily taking on a crafty project involving glue, scissors and preschoolers.
Seriously.
There isn’t enough coffee or napping in the world to get me through that.
so like I said.
Hero. Mine.
You are so funny. And I am the opposite, I could never go into a room of high schoolers but I’m up for the preschoolers (minus the glue next time). I didn’t even add in here that I got chastised a bit for the glue incident by one of the school staff. Seriously, how many kids and glue bottles can I handle at once??
Just re-read this from your re-post on Facebook.
Some things never change.
Hero. Mine. Still.
#10 is my favorite and I’m SO with you on #1. That goes for changing someone else’s child’s dirty diaper. Ew.
Just ew.
Yeah, I can wipe butts and noses all day at my own house as long as they are MY kids. No one else’s. Yuck.
You are a brave, brave woman. Also? I love your boots.
Thank you ;).
See, for me, #10 would have read, “I love my child, but I don’t like children in general.”
Therefore, in my eyes, you are a saint. A funny, adorable one. 🙂
Kids can just be too gross sometimes! lol!
Hahah!!!
I really don’t know how teachers do it.
Kudos to them for being so brave…and patient.
Haha!! Oh my, what an adventure! Glue, scissors, and preschoolers don’t mix very well 😉
I was one of the moms for the Christmas party in her class last month. I was exhausted afterwards! Preschool teachers must have superhuman patience and energy.
Too funny! You’re right, it is so different with other kids than it is with our own!
What I learned at Preschools was to be active and volunteer. After that I had lots of participation in different campaigns and this helped me go to the University:)
I’m truly enlightened. And a tad scared. 😉 The part about your scarf kinda cracked me up! HA!
I always feel extra pleased with myself when I volunteer at school. Then I’m extra appreciative of the teachers who deal with all those supplies (not to mention the kids) all day. I pretty much have a “any craft other than coloring is done at school only” policy in my house. CANNOT deal with glitter, etc.
Well, you know my feelings on preschool volunteering… totally love/hate.
Hee! Love this friend! From the honesty to the adorable photo – just love!
{Also? Amen to #10!}
True dat!!
The scissors especially. I have even hidden our child scissors BUT…
my youngest is already basically the height of her older sister and has found my secret stash….
resulting in an unwanted and unruly haircut… followed by a monsoon of tears. Oh… the drama.
Loved the post.
Great lessons! I don’t know how those teachers do it… I taught 5th through 8th and always applauded the lower grade teachers. They’re angels!
They made you use glue? That teacher was out to get you!
you’re the better woman than I am..
I volunteer at the elementary school, but I couldn’t do it with Hope’s class…ever
those teachers have the patience of a saint…
and other kid’s boogers are gross…
Nothing beats watching someone else’s kids to make you appreciate your own! 😀
You’re so good. Never ever could I volunteer at my sons preschool/kindergarten he just started three days ago. I admit, I don’t have the patience for more then 2 or 3 little kids at the same time. The teachers and their assistants are so relaxed and calm and smile all the time. I just hope they keep this up when I’m not there bringing or collecting the tot.
My children do not whine at preschool.
I have warned the teachers if I volunteer, prepare to see the real side of my children.
Also noting not to wear any devices capable of strangulation…
You are a better mom than me. I could never volunteer. I’ve gone to birthday parties where all I had to do was hand out cupcakes, and I was having a nervous breakdown by the time I left.
I know what you mean about helping them cut! I can’t watch it. No patience. I elbow ’em out of the way and take over.
I’m not laughing AT you, I’m laughing WITH you. You’re a brave woman to go back. #9 = Totally me.
Is this a good time to mention that I have never volunteered at preschool?
All of those lessons are so true. At least there wasn’t glitter involved.
Wow…you are way braver than I am! I have a friend who volunteers at my son’s kindergarten class. I really don’t even want to know what goes on in there…
Giggle. Once a month I do a program at the school called Motor Moms, where two moms take the kids (in groups of two) to the large Motor skills room. That is so fun, but I have yet to do a real day in the classroom.
Reminder to self – do NOT wear scarf.