40 years of teaching pays off

I recently took a former student out for dinner. I won't go into detail about how I found him, but he was in a therapeutic nursery school I taught in '69. The first time I have ever seen a former student with gray hair! At the time he was diagnosed with high functioning autism, today it would be Asperger's syndrome. He has done amazing things, traveled the world to unusual sites, and enjoys playing with his nieces and nephews. Of course, there were many people who worked with him along the way, but what a thrill for me to find out how a student progressed. He did not remember me. Here's to everyone who works with young children and never knows what happens after 40 years, know that you do make a difference.

What a teacher needs

I remember in graduate school a discussion about what we would take as essential curriculum material to another planet if we were going to teach preschool there. The discussion began with some standard materials, like blocks, markers & paint & paper but we all came around to another person. We needed to have someone to reflect with, to share observations and bounce ideas around with. All the rest was just stuff. As I am thinking about what to take with me to Senegal, I hope that this blog will be a vehicle for observation, reflection and sharing of ideas.

Long plane trips

I came across this on the Onion News Network, http://www.theonion.com/content/video/pragues_franz_kafka_international. At least I won't have to change planes in Prague!

Trip to Israel

I recently returned from Israel. It was taking a warm up trip to remind me of what long international flights are like--remembering to stretch, having my blow up neck pillow, ear plugs, waiting for hours (7.5 to be exact) in airports to change planes, always have something to read. And that when you arrive, everything is interesting, exciting, amazing, and you are learning the whole time--I was in Jerusalem, with a day trip to Tel Aviv and Jaffa Port and a three day trip to Dead Sea and Negev desert. Because I was visiting a friend, I got to see more of everyday life. I was also there for Purim. Here is a photo I took in a park on Purim, "Minny Mouse" was not about to smile for me.

April Fools Day

Seems like an auspicious day to begin my blog--about my next adventure in life--moving to Senegal to teach kindergarten. I have been busy making lists--what to ship, what to buy before I go, what to store, what to give away. I got the first of my vaccinations today, Hepatitis B series started and Meningitis. Last fall when I had my annual check up, I felt like a kid as I received shots that they recommend for seniors as well as a tetanus booster.