I feel that there are few things on this earth more gratifying than reading to children.
Seriously, if *all* my job involved was storytime, I would be a happy camper.
Tuesday is my big storytime day - I have 3 groups. Though each storytime is 30 minutes, the day simply flies by. At 5PM, I am utterly spent. And utterly blissful.
It doesn't matter how many times a sweet voice calls me "Miss Laura." I can't get enough.
When a child starts at the very back edge of the storytime rug, clinging to a parent, and then by the end of our time together has crept up closer and is hanging on every word, I feel like I won the lottery.
Even when I have a particularly rowdy bunch, there is always at least one moment when everyone is silent. When a story has captured the attention of every child and adult in the room. When I sneak a glance around, taking my eyes from the pages, and see mouths hanging open and eyes fixed in concentration.
The moment passes; we jump up to sing a song. I'm a rock star surrounded by adoring fans.
At the end, right before we move to the craft tables, we sing our goodbye song. Little voices pipe up proudly, everyone knows this well since we sing it every week:
See you later, alligator; in a while, crocodile.
Give a hug, ladybug; blow a kiss, jellyfish.
See you soon, big baboon; out the door, dinosaur.
Take care, polar bear; wave goodbye, butterfly!
(Source: this lovely video)
Hugs, shy thank-you's, waves. They show me their completed crafts, bursting with pride.
My heart is so full.
Seriously, if *all* my job involved was storytime, I would be a happy camper.
Tuesday is my big storytime day - I have 3 groups. Though each storytime is 30 minutes, the day simply flies by. At 5PM, I am utterly spent. And utterly blissful.
It doesn't matter how many times a sweet voice calls me "Miss Laura." I can't get enough.
When a child starts at the very back edge of the storytime rug, clinging to a parent, and then by the end of our time together has crept up closer and is hanging on every word, I feel like I won the lottery.
Even when I have a particularly rowdy bunch, there is always at least one moment when everyone is silent. When a story has captured the attention of every child and adult in the room. When I sneak a glance around, taking my eyes from the pages, and see mouths hanging open and eyes fixed in concentration.
The moment passes; we jump up to sing a song. I'm a rock star surrounded by adoring fans.
At the end, right before we move to the craft tables, we sing our goodbye song. Little voices pipe up proudly, everyone knows this well since we sing it every week:
See you later, alligator; in a while, crocodile.
Give a hug, ladybug; blow a kiss, jellyfish.
See you soon, big baboon; out the door, dinosaur.
Take care, polar bear; wave goodbye, butterfly!
(Source: this lovely video)
Hugs, shy thank-you's, waves. They show me their completed crafts, bursting with pride.
My heart is so full.
3 comments:
Spending time around kids can be rejuvenating as well as exhausting (but exhausting in a good way).
I can't wait to try out these new ways of saying goodbye on my church friends. "See you soon, you big baboon!" should go over well.
Oh, I love this. I can relate in some ways, in my interactions with junior high and high schoolers. Those full-heart moments ... nothing can replace them.
I remember when teachers would read to us in elementary school. It was always an exciting time and one we looked forward to. It opened up worlds to us.
Post a Comment