It’s the little things…
There is no job like childcare. Because there is no jobs where everything boils down to the little things.
I was struck by this as I looked at this child’s name, written on one of our kindness notes. This child just joined our school six weeks ago and as part of our PreK program the children practice signing their names each day in their class. And every afternoon this child walks down the hallway and he proudly signs his name on that blank piece of paper.
It’s the little things.
It’s the trail of mulch coming in from the playground, as the entire class walks down the hallway for the first time, each step more tenuous than the last. It’s the victory cheer from the teacher when they make it to the door.
It’s the ‘I did it” the “look” and the “watch” from the two’s room, as they take on each new challenge with determination. They are determined and head strong, confident they can do everything themselves, and delighted when they learn they can.
It’s decorations that are always a little askew, books on shelves that are tipped over, and the little tree in the hallway that is constantly tilted to one angle.
It is compliments from the threes class about my shoes or the constructive criticism from PreK about how I do morning announcements. It’s the fact that they feel safe to say whatever is on their mind and in their hearts, even if the questions are why is my hair grey.
Sure, early childhood education presents itself as all about the big things. And those big things are important; prereading skills, social development, independence skills, and growing little learners.
But in the day to day, it’s all about that name on that paper. It’s all about those little pieces of evidence that show each day is full of love.
It’s the little things.
