On the days when I get to deliver things to a classroom, or go to find a student who is checking out, I always check out the goings-on in the rooms I pass along the way. I am never disappointed.
My usual route takes me past the sixth grade classrooms, the science labs, and the early childhood classrooms. Today the sixth graders are having “show and tell,” and have brought their teddy bears and blankies—I delivered a blue bear to a nearly six-foot-tall sixth grade boy. I don’t know why this show and tell is a yearly tradition in sixth grade, but I have to say it is really endearing to see them reminisce about “the good old days.” Especially because I knew so many of them when they really did bring blue bears to show and tell.
As I continue down the hall, I pass Dr. Amazing’s lab. If you have not spent time in there, you are missing out! I love wildlife, and Mr. Ogdon’s room allows us to get up close and personal (plenty close enough to that tarantula for this city girl!) with some interesting critters. There is always a sense of engagement and interest in that classroom, and often we can hear the laughter and shrieks of delight from the littlest students as Dr. Amazing, well, amazes them with real science.
With five grandchildren under the age of 5, I have to say that Mrs. Smythe’s PK class is my favorite spot in my travels. There is something so rich about watching 3 and 4 year olds at play—they speak so earnestly to each other and are so totally engaged in whatever they’re doing, even when the little boys are dressed up in the pink princess dress and the girls in the Spiderman outfit—play is serious stuff for these kiddos, and that innocence is gone too soon.
Naptime in the early childhood rooms is another favorite sight to see—they are so sweet all curled up on their mats. Even better is the time right after they wake up, or are woken up by their teachers, to go home. They all sort of wander around bumping into each other with dazed expressions and their hair all sticking up crazily. These kids work hard, play hard, and (some of them) sleep hard. Woodland is their home away from home, a safe place, a fun place, a place with friends and “family.” I am blessed to watch them
grow and learn. Thank you for sharing their childhoods with me.
grow and learn. Thank you for sharing their childhoods with me.
Nancy VanCleve
Administrative Assistant
