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!

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