-Working With.....Three Year Olds

This week, I began my field work (aka internship/student teacher) at a local school. I chose to begin in the preschool 3 classroom, as it appears to be the busiest in the afternoons, as well as the early mornings.


In the past four days, I have learned more than I ever thought I could from a three year old, well a bunch of three year olds, anyhow! On average, there are 12-15 children in the classroom at any given time. I've learned the importance of tennis shoes, and how the children notice when I don't have them on! How can you play tag without tennis shoes, Ms. Joy! 


I have learned to improvise, yes, from a three year old! Whatever you have at hand can be used for anything, if only you use your IMAGINATION! Simple blocks have become hairbrushes, as well as nail files (and yes, I was pampered today by a few three year olds-got my hair done, my nails done, my make up done, and even a massage! - Just close your eyes and imagine it! I never felt more relaxed!)


Books can be enjoyed whether you know the words or not, make up your own story! 


I've also learned more about the game ANGRY BIRDS than I ever could have imagined, all from one three year old little boy! How is it that a three year old knows more about a computer game than a 36 year old? His excitement is contagious-and although I have no interest (STILL) in checking the game out, I did go and print off a few Angry Bird coloring sheets. Something so simple made his day!


So yes, although I have experienced having a three year old (mine is now 6 -and a half, if you ask him!), you can learn so much more in a group of them! 


They have captured my heart, each in their own unique way! They've spoiled me with their creative pictures, in which I will need a room just to display them all; their endless hugs, their laughter and joy! 

Um, Yoga Anyone?

In my already crazy, hectic life, I've decided it's time to try something new....something I've been saying for years I've wanted to do. And since I have a goal not only to focus on my family and friends this year but also ME (which is honestly a challenge in itself, because I love to give to others,but have always tended to neglect myself) - I've decided to finally take up YOGA. 


Yes, I said it, Yoga. She who doesn't know how to sit still for a moment is going to take up some yoga....to learn to relax, and meditate, and get some exercise in my life. My life is hectic, as I mentioned.....always running from here to there.....mind constantly going, I need to learn to focus and relax. I'm excited as I will be doing this with a friend and her daughters and my six year old son (who did yoga when he was three, yes, three!!) are joining us as well.


I want to improve my life all around. I've never been much into fitness, though my son thinks I should take up running. (Yeah, like that will ever happen! I didn't like running in P.E. in school; there is NO WAY I will take up running now! And the ripe young age of 36!) 


So I am going to squeeze 15-30 minutes of yoga into my schedule (fingers crossed) daily! And maybe I will finally learn to meditate along the way as well (something else I have been saying for years I would love to do!) I have an active mind-like most women do! And a busy life! What with being a wife, and a mom, and working and going to school! 


I have gone out to gather most of the tools I will need to begin this Yoga venture! I'm not joining any class - way too embarrassing! I just simply want to do this on my own, with close friends. And what better way is there to bond with your child, than to exercise! 


It's NEVER too late to learn something new! And I can't wait to get this started! Yoga-expert here I come. (Ok, the "expert" part is really pushing it!)


More to come!








P.S. - So this morning, while on my way into work, I stopped by the Thrift Store (which I do on the rare occassion.) I had hopes of maybe finding an inexpensive yoga DVD, just in case my wonderful plans of sticking with this fall through, I won't have spent too much money! Well, I didn't find a DVD (yet!) but I did find a nice book educating one about yoga! All for the low price (wait, take a guess!) Ok....now I'll tell, $.49 - yes, 49 cents! And it was BRAND NEW! Nice!! I can't wait to get that DVD and get to Yoga-ing!