sing a happy song
18 Apr 2010 3 Comments
in classroom updates Tags: communication, music, partnership, teaching
Tigerlily began January 2009 with myself and three kiddos. We’ve been steadily adding to our crew and this past September Nicole Bueno stepped in to teach with me. Lucky, lucky me and lucky children. She brings an enthusiasm and joy to our day that lights the room. It’s pretty common that discoveries of any sort- big and small- aren’t quite “official” until they’ve been shared specially with her. (“Nicole, Nicole, we found a funny bug! Nicole, Nicole I’m going to ride in G’s car! Nicole, Nicole, I made this!”). I so enjoy her perspective and look forward to continuing that connection long after she jettisons next fall into a classroom of her very own, and what lucky children those will be!
Teaching with a partner is my favorite, it makes me find the words to talk about my approach, every single day. If you watched Nicole and I do our thing after the children leave, it might look like two busy teachers tidying the classroom. That’s the housekeeping bit, necessary but not so exciting. The good stuff is the dialogue we’re making time for. What happened when… how did it feel to you, that lunch transition? Oh, let’s communicate to the parents about… and my favorite: what if. What if keeps teachers and classrooms and children alive and sparkly. The good stuff happens when the answer to what if gets to be “let’s try it and see what happens.” What if can happen when the partners running the game feel connected, heard and supported.
Really this post is an excuse to tell you about Nicole and her ukelele that have become part of our day, have a listen: You and I .
3 Comments (+add yours?)
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Apr 18, 2010 @ 15:23:23
Waaaa! This makes me a little teary because we’re going to miss Nicole next year so much!!! She really is the best… Bruno is starry eyed about her. We love you Nicole!
Apr 20, 2010 @ 00:01:08
Aw, shucks.
Thank you, Kami! Lots of love back to you and your Bruno.
Apr 22, 2010 @ 17:46:12
I love this picture and I love ‘Micole’. Russ does, too. You have been such a gift to us! Good luck next year!