Weeks 2 and 3

So here we are, 3 weeks in to my work experience and I am having a great time. I am becoming more familiar with the kids and that means less standing around doing nothing. However, I still find that I don't really know what to do with myself when the younger kids go down for a nap and the older kids are playing with puzzles or reading books on their own. I'm learning now to assess the situation when I walk into the preschool and sort of just see where I'm needed, whether it be cleaning up or helping one of the kids with something.

I'm finding now that I'm more comfortable with the kids, I'm getting to know individual kids better. I'm learning how to deal with problems that arise and I'm feeling more confident in my ability to deal with these situations.

I've also noticed that I'm taking the skills I'm learning at the preschool and using them with the other kids that I work with. I noticed when I was babysitting last Thursday that the kids were much happier and were smiling and laughing and I'd like to think that was because I am better when it comes to interacting with kids.

One thing that I'm very excited about is not only how comfortable I feel with the kids, but just how comfortable they are with me. In fact, this past week one of the 18-month olds had started saying my name! I love that I am becoming a regular in their lives and that they are accepting me.

However, I still have a couple of things I'd like to work on. I really want eliminate the "standing around," but I'm still not sure what to do.

Finally, there is one major thing that I have to watch for. Since I've started spending more time with little kids than people my own age, I've noticed that when I go back to spending time with my friends, I'm talking to them like I'd talk to a 2 year old!!! I figure I should probably get that under control or the only people I'm going to have left to talk with will be the 2 year olds.