When I got the email last week asking me to help teach Maddie's class during church, I didn't hesitate to agree. After all, I have volunteered to help fill in several times, and had no problem. I was sure that I would simply be the assistant. You know, help write names, put some stickers on a sheet of paper, and make sure the right child went home with the right parent.
Then, I got a phone call later that day, asking if Justin could be my assistant. I answered for him and said that it wouldn't be a problem.
Suddenly, the pressure was on. I was no longer the assistant, I was the teacher.
I looked over the lesson plan. Easy enough.
I prepared the crafts. No problem.
I was determined to be ready.
Nothing can prepare you for going from 1 four year old to 16 four year olds.
Nothing.
When the last child left, Justin and I looked at each other.
"Wow- that was one crazy hour." I said, to break the silence.
"You know, there are certain people that are called to do this and are truly gifted. We aren't them." Justin quietly said.
I'm calling the church tomorrow and asking if I can be a substitute in the baby room. Or a greeter. Or on the notes and cards team. Or, well, anything but teaching in the four year old room.
Unless I'm with someone who knows what they are doing and I can just be there. For moral support, you know.
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7 comments:
I have felt your pain before, with kindergarteners, 23 of them!
Maybe next time you all should go for older kids, second grade might be a good fit, they aren't quite so taxing! :)
Greeting is good too!
I know how you looked at the end of the class -- the glazed over look...I have it at the end of nursery duty -- it's only an hour...I think..I black out somewhere in the middle.
People wonder why I don't usually stay for church -- well, that and my kid won't let me!@
4 year olds are tough cookies. I refused to teach that class when I worked in child care. It's a hard one. I prefer the one year olds. They're snuggly and fun and can't talk back.
I don't blame you! I couldn't do it either!
Have a good evening - Kellan
I feel your pain, been there, done that. That is why I teach 1st-3rd graders at church. I helped in VBS one year with the 3 year olds, the absolute longest week of my life. I had to go home and fix myself a glass of wine just to recuperate. Wow.
Agreed.
I have ONE four year old at home.
No way can I handle 16.
Thankyouverymuch!
I agree completely with Justin. I think that every time I go pick up the kids at daycare! I'm not one of them either. But oh, how I admire their patience.
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