Happy Holidays 2009

45-minute Lunches

Walk up Westlake to work. It's going to be a busy day with 45-minute lunches.

Heather subs for Kim. I do Kitchen Patrol from 10 to 11. Three loads of laundry to fold... I manage to do 2. 11 to 11:45 - Teresa's lunch. We're in the Bike Room with the Dolphins and Sea Otters. We seem to be having a cranky Monday. 11:45 to 12:30 - Lydia's lunch. Busy hour with diapers, lunch mess and setting out mats. Darnell comes in to give me a break. I need it! 12:30 to 1:15 - Leisha's lunch. I feel exhausted. The Moons & Stars are mellow, eating their lunches. Lonnie does potty time. I help with the lunch mess. I'm amazed how fluent Henrik's English is. When he started at Hutch Kids, he only knew German. The kids sit together to read Bear Feels Scared.

1:15 to 2:00 - Jessica's lunch. (She's subbing for Pam.) Seven Dolphins are sleeping. It's a quiet time. Thank goodness. 2:00 - Patty's lunch. The Sea Otters are waking up. Lydia takes 3 down to the Bike Room. The other Sea Otters wake up one-by-one. 3 - Streetcar to d'town.

The Need To Be Alone

There are times when each of us feels the need to be alone, and that includes children. When a child needs to get away from the group. It's often hard for other children to understand why that child doesn't want to be with them. Sometimes a child may just need to know that thoughts and feelings can be kept safe inside. Believe that children who are allowed their times alone are the ones most likely to feel comfortable around other people -- just a the children who know their thought are private are the ones who become most able to share their feelings with the people they love.

Things... just fine the way they are

Children often need reassurance that they are growing - both inside and out. Growing takes time, and the changes are sometimes so small that the waiting seems endless. We can help children understand that waiting doesn't need to be empty time by showing them that there are many things to think about and many things to do that can make waiting easier. Of course, the most important thing for all of us to remember (children and adults alike) is that no matter how much or how little we're growing at the moment, there are many things about us that are fine just the way they are.

A Caregiver

What are some of the things that a good caregiver does for children? Prepares meals or snacks; comforts them when they're lonely; makes sure they are safe; reminds them about limits; plays with them or helps them learn to do new things; reads to them, holds or hugs them; listen to their ideas.

The Reading Table

People fix up the lunches and tables. When the chairs are set down, the Starfish automatically sit down... "But it's not lunchtime yet." I grab some books so the kids can sit at the reading table. At first, the children want to sit and read - look at - their books. Sometimes, one child wants the book the other child is looking at. I shuffle the books a little. Someone likes lots of books.

One child focuses on only one book... the Signing Book.

One guy is thinking - perhaps - "Where's my lunch?" and dumps his books on the floor.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 Inspiration

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 Inspiration.

9 to 11 - Planning time for Charmaine. Kenn covers for Andy. It's mostly our jobs to keep these 6 active Dolphins out of trouble. Kenn gets an inspiration - wearing blue latex gloves on the feet. Fun!

Everyone Has Equal Wisdom

I like to think - everyone has equal wisdom. Intelligence is equally everywhere present. What an empowering thing! I makes me feel rich to know that knowledge is so available.

Ultimately, there's no one who can teach me except myself.