Today I am at work...

I am sitting in my office here at school. I think we might be the only school in the area that is at work today.. It does not bother me to be at work though. If I were at home, more than likely I would be just laying around not getting much done. That is what I tend to do on days off. Sure I have big plans to clean out the back closet, organize the kitchen cabinets, or to clean out my car..but that never happens.. I usually finish or start a book, clear off the DVR, or read blogs and before I know it the work day would have already been over..then I find myself thinking, where did the day go?

My students are napping. I can hear the faint hum of lullabies, I can hear my aid turning the pages of her book as she watches over them, and I can hear my other aid loading the backpacks for the day. It is peaceful in my building from 1:30 - 2:30. All 24 of my students are nappers. It is so cute to see them cuddled up on their mats. Laid out on the floor racing to see who will fall asleep the fastest. The lights are dimmed and the music is turned on, barely audible above the breathing of all 24 kiddos. It is not long before each one of them slip off into dream land..the sweet innocent students whom I wish I could keep innocent forever. I often think, what will these children be when they grow up, what things will they have to endure? What will they know that I didn't? What will they face? Will they be loved and return love?

Then I think? Did I do enough? Hug them enough? Tell them how special they are enough? Will they remember me? How much impact does a Pre-K teacher have on ones life... I am not sure how much I will affect their future, but I know I can affect their present! I didn't go into teaching for someone to pat me on the back. I did it because I wanted to make the difference in the lives of children..I want children leaving my room, smiling, laughing, believing they can achieve anything. I want children to leave my room, knowing their manners, loving their friends, their families, America. I want my students to leave my room eager to learn more. I want them to be explorers, ask questions to be leaders, to be fearless.

The peaceful quite time in my room is about to end. It is almost time, to turn up the lights and wake them from their afternoon naps. Some will already be awake, some will have to ease into it. Some cry, because they need just a little more time..and others are up and raring to go. Ready for snack. Ready to play! The quiet time is gone and now the room is full of life. Full of questions, singing, dancing, laughter. And it's exactly where I want to be.. right in the midst of it all..

I didn't really have a plan for today's blog.. but as I mentioned earlier- I am at work. And all day long today I have heard- (from staff, teachers, and older students) WHY ARE WE HERE? I CAN'T BELIEVE WE HAVE TO WORK! OTHER SCHOOLS ARE OUT... and it made me sad. Because, well I want to be here! I want to be with my students. I want to take advantage of every oppertunity to make a difference in the life of each of my students!