Friends

We are off to a great start in preschool. We began the year with only five students. A big change from twelve last year. Yesterday we added a new student to our class. The kids almost always love coming to school. This particular student was not so happy to be there yesterday. She did not want the auntie to go home. She cried off and on for about the first hour of school. Asking if she could go home. All she said all day was “go home” in Cebuano.

I think I had just as tough of a morning as my student did yesterday. I know this student will do well in school. She is ready to be in school and will catch on to things quickly. She was just unsure and felt safe with the aunties in the houses that she had bonded with in just a short time of being at CSC. Having left her family, meeting all the caregivers at CSC, and now starting school in a short period of time is a lot for a four year old to sort through.

Well, today was a new day. She came to school today and cried as the auntie left. I picked her up and carried her in my arms into the classroom. She was quiet and listened attentively as we sang songs, and read a stroy about snakes. During art time, she colored her snake quietly as she sat next to me not saying a word. When she had finished coloring, I held her paper plate snake as she began to cut it in a circular motion. I then took her hand in mine and we gently cut together. As we were about half of the way through cutting she looked up at me and said,  “ Amiga ka?.” which can be translated into “Are you my friend?” or “You are my friend.” Depending on how it is said. I responded “Yes, amiga ko.” “I am your friend.” She immediately smiled and was happy the rest of the day. Something changed in her little heart and mind when she realized I was her friend. Whether it was my loving gesture of taking her hand in mine and helping her cut, or the words of affirmation of hearing that I was her friend, she began to trust and feel safe. When that moment happened, she realized preschool was going to be ok.

I have been thinking about the words amiga ka all day. To know you have a friend who you can trust, laugh, cry, and feel safe with is a wonderful blessing whether you are four or ninety four. Thank God for all the wonderful friends He has placed in your life and look for opportunites to be a good friend today!

Graduation Day

We made it!  What a wonderful year it has been with this great group of preschoolers! Last Tuesday we finished the year off with our 11th graduation ceremony.  It was a wonderful day of celebrating and honoring all of the kids for their accomplishments throughout the year.  Four students graduated from the elementary level and nine preschoolers.

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Confidence

We learn in preschool how to write our name, the letters of the alphabet, colors, and number identification. Our first couple weeks of preschool are filled with activities about learning our name.  The children see their names in numerous places throughout the room. With each child this skill develops at different times. Some children can write their name before they start preschool and some are still working on it at the end of the year.  As a teacher, it is our job to create different learning experiences for our students. We must encourage them to try their best and help them see their potential.

 This last week as we were having free choice painting time the kids were busy painting circles, trees, butterflies, flowers, and a variety of other abstract pictures.  One child in my classroom, who has yet to write any letters of his or her name this year, was busy painting away.  Time went on and a little while later there was a tap on my arm.  I turned and saw a big smile and heard a little voice saying to me, "Look, look Teacher Amy!"  I turned and saw the first and second letter of this child’s name painted all over the piece of paper and one thrilled little artist.  We celebrated the moment and smiled on.  

Confidence was born in a child’s heart this last week. When confidence takes root and starts to grow, there is no end to its possibilities!  It may be as simple as realizing you can learn to write the letters in your name.   Maybe you need confidence to get through something much bigger than that this week.  "Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:6

The Power of a Smile!

It’s my job as the preschool teacher at Children of Hope School to teach my preschoolers each day.  We are busy learning how to write our names, learning the letters of the alphabet, and numbers.  I try to teach them how to share and be kind to each other.  We learn how to take turns and respect one another.  However, often times I feel like they teach me just as much or more than I am teaching them.

 

This week I was reminded of the power in a smile.  Rosetina comes to school each day with a smile on her face that never stops!  She smiles from the time she arrives to the time she leaves. The smile on Rosetina’s face is present no matter where she is.  If you spend any amount of time with Rosetina, you will soon be smiling yourself. What a gift!  I know I am encouraged each day just by having Rosetina’s positive spirit in my classroom.

 

So what have I learned from Rosetina? I have been reminded how my attitude and the expression on my face have the power to impact others each day.  Am I bringing joy or frustration to those I  meet?  Thanks Rosetina, for the great reminder!

TEN

We have just finished our third week in preschool. Our class grew to an even ten this week with five boys and five girls. Rowena and Rosetina joined our preschool class on Wed! They are thrilled to be in school and we are thrilled to have them in class!

Saturday Morning!

I woke up early on Saturday morning and decided I would hike up to the shelter.  It was my first time since returning that I had just hung out at the shelter early on a Saturday morning. I forgot about all of the different activities and schedules that happen on a Saturday morning. I would soon be reminded!

 

 Our houseparents were at the market buying food for the week. Some of the older girls were at  Bible Club. Our counselors were busy with counseling groups., An auntie was busy feeding the toddlers in the Duterte home. Some of the kids were outside washing their shoes while others were washing the baskets brought back from the market. The guard was busy cleaning the electric fans while one of our house fathers was busy working on something in the garage.  The Cherne kids were anxiously waiting for their turn to get a haircut outside the Cherne house.  A group of kids were playing a Filipino flip flop game while others were riding scooters and busy catching spiders.  One auntie was busy playing basketball with Wilmar while other aunties were monitoring the kids outside. Great aromas were coming from each of the houses as the cook in each house was preparing lunch. The aunties were busy in the laundry room washing lots of diapers and clothes. Some kids were in their rooms playing guitar, reading or just having some free time. I got in a game of basketball with some kids and then decided to run up to the infirmary for a rest and to visit the kids in isolation. I arrived to laughter and joy as the aunties were spending  time with the kids there.  

 

As I stood in the midst of all of the laughter, hard work and excitement around me, I had to just stop and smile. I was reminded of all the awesome kids we have at CSC and all of the great people who take such good care of them every day.    There are many different schedules and responsibilities that need to be filled each day at CSC to make sure the kids needs are met. Our guards, houseparents, counselors, aunties, medical staff, social workers, office staff, maintenance supervisor and teachers all do a wonderful job!  We are blessed to have such incredible people on our staff!