I met my kids today! They're so cute and I love them very much. Seven of them, between the ages of 4 and 7, all different talents and abilities and likes and dislikes. I have so much to learn! I got to work especially with two little girls today. One knows quite a lot already about how the classroom runs and what the motions are to the songs, but if you're willing to help her with something then she won't tell you she already knows it. :-) And the other I had a harder time figuring out what she liked and disliked. But we had fun playing with blocks and reading a book.
Guess what's cool? My cooperating teacher uses a lot of music! I love it and so do the kids. We played with classroom instruments today. I had to be a little careful that I didn't get too much into the music and shake the arm off the little guy I was helping.
Next week I get to start teaching by designing and running the art center for the week. It's just one craft for the week, because the kids rotate through the centers in pairs, and do one center per day. I have to come up with something simple and farm-related.
And I definitely need to learn about early childhood goals and developmental stages. I didn't focus there at all while in college because I assumed it would be common sense. Which it is... and yet, you need to know a little more when planning. At least, I would like to know a little more. Thank you, God, for the internet!