My son is in PreK now, so I am a regular parent volunteer in his classroom. Under the heading of "parent participation", I enjoy a morning among preschoolers reading books, singing songs, learning ABCs and letter sounds, reviewing geometric shapes, doing craft projects, putting together puzzles, playing, helping with coats and bookbags, and (of course) snacktime.
In my efforts to provide them with healthy snacks on the days I am visiting, I bring clementine oranges, baby carrots, and sugar snap peas. Yesterday, with the approval and encouragement of the teacher, I brought my popcorn air popper and demonstrated this method of preparing popcorn.
I took a survey among the children and none of them (except for my son) had seen a popcorn air popper before. They thought popcorn came from a microwave bag. They were very excited to see the popcorn suddenly burst over and funnel into the bowl. Their giggles and enthusiasm were wonderful! The preschoolers could barely wait for me to put melted butter and salt on the popcorn. Their little fingers itched to snitch a handful. And they clamoured for me to fill their cups a second time.
The teacher was delighted with their response and said she planned to bring in her air popper to make popcorn for the children this way again. With a smile, I reminded her that making popcorn falls under the heading of science. Her eyes lit up. And now she plans to explain how corn "pops".
Being with children is a joyful experience. They are curious, eager to learn, and true explorers. Their awe in the world is wonderful and they are examples to us all.
As stated in the Bible, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3
In my efforts to provide them with healthy snacks on the days I am visiting, I bring clementine oranges, baby carrots, and sugar snap peas. Yesterday, with the approval and encouragement of the teacher, I brought my popcorn air popper and demonstrated this method of preparing popcorn.
I took a survey among the children and none of them (except for my son) had seen a popcorn air popper before. They thought popcorn came from a microwave bag. They were very excited to see the popcorn suddenly burst over and funnel into the bowl. Their giggles and enthusiasm were wonderful! The preschoolers could barely wait for me to put melted butter and salt on the popcorn. Their little fingers itched to snitch a handful. And they clamoured for me to fill their cups a second time.
The teacher was delighted with their response and said she planned to bring in her air popper to make popcorn for the children this way again. With a smile, I reminded her that making popcorn falls under the heading of science. Her eyes lit up. And now she plans to explain how corn "pops".
Being with children is a joyful experience. They are curious, eager to learn, and true explorers. Their awe in the world is wonderful and they are examples to us all.
As stated in the Bible, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3
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