Crossing Guard...

So I am temporarily one of the crossing guards for my elementary school, since the sweet older man that normally does this corner is having knee surgery. Anyone who knows my school district well, knows that temporarily could mean a couple weeks... or months...

Guess i will find out.

I knew this going in and still said yes.

The fact that Bentley and I live right across the street, and the guy is having surgery made me feel super obligated! Otherwise I wouldn't normally wake up to stand outside for an extra 45 minutes in a dense, rainy fog, wearing a neon yellow cal-trans vest holding a gigantic stop sign.

All I am missing is a hard hat!

Can you tell I was NOT too stoked when my principal asked me?!

But, I was a little too quick to judge what seemed to be a most unfavorable position. I have had some of the best mornings this week because of funny little happenings on my crosswalk.

1. Countless mothers showing their appreciation for watching after their 'babies' cross the busy street.
2. kissing my hubby on his way to work, after he crosses the street of course! I wonder what people driving by think!?
3. The most darling toddler told me I am 'so pretty' :) 
4. Another toddler asked her mom 'why is her hair SO BIG?' just as funny and noteworthy as the first comment in my book!
5. A very happy golden retriever jumping up to say hello and kiss me on his way home...
6. Seeing kids faces (that know me) light up at the fact that they know the crossing guard; turning back to smile, look, and wave about a million times before they are too far to see me anymore. I love that simple pleasure in children.
7. And last but definitely not least, the old man stopped at the light, blowing me a kiss and saying "YOU are such a CUTIE!"

Yup, those sweet elderly men get me every time! 

Crossing guard has been nothing but smiles, friendly honks, curious kids, and lots of Pandora Music! :)

Have a great weekend 

xxxxooooxoxo

 

besos en preschool :)

Mondays are a late start in our school district.  I LOVE IT!

Staff still goes to school at the regular hour but the kiddos don't come for another hour. We use our extra time prepping crafts and curriculum, staff trainings, and sometimes have an occasional staff breakfast together :) It is the best way to start the work week after a nice relaxing weekend, in my opinion.

Today was extraordinary 

I was greeted by the usual "Hola Maestra, como estas? Quieres leer con mi?" surrounded by smiles, and little hands tugging at my sides. Oh those adorable hands.

(there are so many spanish speakers in our morning class you would think you were in another country)

I am so thankful for my 3 years of high school spanish and one semester at college thats for sure!

We were having an extra long circle time this morning because there was a scheduled fire drill about to take place and we needed to explain extra carefully what was about to happen. Bentley even translated everything in spanish, something we dont normally have done since they are supposed to be learning english. But a fire drill is obviously really important. (Yes Bent and I got to work together today, but thats not what made it extraordinary, sorry love)

Then out of no where, in the middle of circle time this one little chica [who I have taken to since the first day of school, we are one in the same, with just a language barrier] whipped around, grabbed my cheeks and went in for a BIG ole' kiss!

I had to turn slightly so she would catch my cheek in stead of my lips, something about kissing on the lips in school doesn't seem appropriate... right? haha. 

Either way I absolutely melted. 

That was like giving my heart the best kind of hug known to man.

I love the fierce and feisty love of a child.

There is nothing like it!

I will be living on the love from that chicken peck for the next week thank you very much.

Happy Monday 

xxxooo xo

Post

There is nothing like getting some beautifully artistic snail mail from a dear friend.

I love post.

I also love bronze, gold, and yellow.

 Today, I hit the jackpot.

This was a nice surprise in the PO Box!

Could she get any cuter?

Get a load of that golden goodness right there!

I love, love, LOVE her hand writing...

To my dearest Jordie, congrats!

You did it!!!

All the hard work, late nights, BS classes, teachers & coffee was well worth it. 

 I knew one of us was tough enough to stick it out at Long Beach. I am so happy for you, and excited to see where you will go with this under your belt accompanied by all of your ambitions. 

Your passion and creativity is an inspiration, but what I think I admire most is your eager heart.

Not all are blessed with such desire.

We are growing up too fast! But not growing up at all, at the same time :)

You are my kindred spirit, and I miss you so much.

XOXO

My Journey to Preschool

I love my job- that is no surprise. I feel like I say that often :)

Ever since I went on my first mission trip in high school and worked with little kids in Mexico and Guatemala, I knew I would NEVER, EVER spend a single day of my life doing anything less.

My life felt intentional- 

I  found a reason, my reason 

(purpose seems too heavy a word here, for I believe I am here to be a mother)

Isn't that we are all searching for in some shape or form? 

Pretty deep thoughts for a 15 year old; but I have always been an old soul, or so I'm told.

My only question along the way has been by what means will I fulfill my goals, my dreams, and  provide the service I long to give children? In this ENTIRE world, what facet of upbringing a little soul should I focus my education on, build a solid foundation in, and work towards?

hmm.... I contemplated...

Music

youth (teens)

early childhood

Nutrition- specifically the alarming rate of type 2 diabetes in children under 12

foster youth

child abuse prevention

special ed mild, moderate, severe?

I mean seriously, who doesn't want their daily routine "job" to be something they truly, genuinely love?! I was determined to make a decision and stick with it. It only took me a few years, changing majors more than I care to tell, 3 colleges, and 2 pivotal jobs, to figure out what exactly I wanted to go to school for. Ironically, I landed a wonderful job in the school district before most of the schooling. 

Things don't always go according to plan, at least not my plans. 

Thank heavens for that :)

It is my current job that has made it ever so clear to me what I want to do, educationally. Not only will it benefit me in the work world, but also tremendously as a mother. Which as I mentioned before is priority number one! You see, I am a Para-educator, an aid for kids with special needs of all kinds, a behavioral analyst. 

We use a method called Applied Behavior Analysis primarily for students with autism, but it is used for a wide variety of students. Autism is what I have been working with most.

Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. Positive reinforcement is one such principle. When a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated. Through decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior.

I have the pleasure of engaging with 3 - 4 year olds all day and positively reinforcing them for every good thing they do; and simply ignoring the undesired behaviors, or 'attention seeking' behaviors. Unless of course what they are doing is about to harm themselves or another. It is loads of fun, however some days are more... onerous than others. Ignoring a child hiding under a table whistling at you and yelling "yoo hoo look at me where did I go?" can only be done with grace for so long...  
My patience threshold has quadrupled, I will shamelessly admit my patience is admirable.
It is a trait I have always treasured, and now I know why I was given it.

The good lord knew I was going to need it!

I start my Bachelors and credential program on October 1st. I couldn't be more excited! No decision has been as effortless and easy as this one, well, except for when Bentley asked me to marry him.

I am so passionate about the importance of this age with all that is developing in our brains. I am predominately fascinated by Italian Philosophies on Early Childhood Ed. having gone to a Montessori preschool myself I have a little first hand experience :) 

I cant wait to keep learning about it and see where my adventures take me!

More to come on my journeys in Preschool and online credentialing!