While I was cooping this past week (Jacob's class), I looked out the window and saw the preschoolers playing during their recess. I searched for Megan and found her playing with a ball by herself - she then started to wander around...again by herself. (I notice the 'by herself' thing because I have memories of feeling like I was all alone on the playground when I was young. I get a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach when I think of my children experiencing the same thing. But...different story - different day...or not.) After a little bit it looked as if some other children were coming to join her and then I saw her wander over to the adults who were out with them (1 teacher, 2 parents). One of the coopers took her hands in both of hers and she stayed there for the rest of recess. Later - while Jacob's class was having their recess, I went in to say 'hi' to Megan (during their snack time). When I walked in several of her classmates saw me and told me how Megan needs to have gloves and how cold she was on the playground that day. I - being the amazing mother that I am realized the gloves were still in the van. It then dawned on me that she did have friends during recess and she did have someone looking out for her. It was one of those moments I was very glad our children are part of a loving community when they go to school. The mother that had taken care of her for the last part of recess didn't have to do what she did - but, she saw a child with cold hands and responded. It is a community where others know what is going on and with concerned hearts try to do what they can to help - even her young classmates wanted her to be warm. They made sure their friend's mother knew that children are supposed to have gloves during recess - everyday.:} How glad I am that the children know me - they recognized who I was and who I belonged to when I walked in the door. They know me well enough to be comfortable letting me know how things should work.:} All preK kids know that moms and dads are in charge of the gloves, right?
It warms my heart to think that my children are cared for during the day rather I'm there or not. Teachers are not able to do it all by themselves and I'm glad they have other adults to step in as needed. It takes a village and I'm glad my children are part of one. I'm glad I get to be part of my children's school day and to participate in their lives by knowing their classmates and their classmates families. My life is richer because I get to know/work with these kids and their families. It also helps me to know that my kids aren't much different than other children their age. I'm grateful I get to have consistent contact with other children their age and know more about what my kids are experiencing and what to expect next.
I'm so very, very glad we were able to make it work for our family to still be part of such a great community even though we have moved. There are enough changes with a move - it's good to have some things stay the same.
