JR’s List Item #20 – (done) Create a workshop on early childhood games and present it on August 18th.

While working at the regional service center as an education specialist, I met and worked with many, many teachers and administrators.  Some have become dear friends, who I may not see very often but who I am always willing to help if I can.

One of those dear friends called me about a month ago and asked me to do a training for her paraprofessional staff on August 18th.  The training would be part of the inservice programs held prior the the start of school on August 23rd.  This friend asked me to do a training on games to use with early childhood students (prekinder, kinder, and first graders); specifically, games that would develop reading and math skills.  I said yes, hung up the phone, and immediately asked myself, "What was I thinking?"

So what was I thinking?  Well, it would be a chance to create and present a training; something I had not done in at least two years, but loved to do.  I would be helping my friend out.  I would be working with educators.  And, yes, I would be making a little money.  "But hold on a minute," I thought, "this is 4, 5, and 6 year-old babies.  This was physical fitness with reading and math thrown into the mix."

With the exception of math, none of this was anywhere near "my wheelhouse," much less "in my wheelhouse" (to borrow a well-used phrase from "Glee").  Granted, I had taught PE in the early 80s to third, fourth, and fifth graders; but this was not the same thing.  At times like this I did what I always do.  I went to Amazon.com, ordered some books, and put together a workshop for para-professionals using games to teach reading and math skills to early childhood students.

The ladies and one gentleman that I worked with were true professionals.  Each one of these educators was knowledgeable about their students, their needs, and meeting the students' educational goals.  They brought up some very important issues and posed relevant questions.  They were willing participants, who also had fun with the games and with each other.  It was a true honor working with them.  I really had a great time.  Above all, I am so glad I had said yes. 

Thank you to the participants for their dedication to their students and for a truly wonderful day.  All my best to each of them for a wonderful and active school year.  A special thank you to my dear friend for asking me to come and spend a day with her staff. 

Finally note:  The books I purchased were Jump into Literacy:  Active Learning for PreSchool Children,  Jump into Math:  Active Learning for PreSchool Children, Wiggle, Giggle, and Shake:  Over 200 Ways to Move and Learn, and Great Games for Young Children: Over 100 Games to Develop Self-Confidence, Problem-Solving Skills, and Cooperation, all by Rae Pica.  They were great resources for developing the training and I think must-haves for any school wanting to use active learning with their early childhood students.