Part of THEIR WORLD

I learned several years ago that as a teacher of a 6-7 year old, I needed to be 'part of their world'. I had a student write an incredible story one day. I had never seen him write so well. The plot was outstanding as well as the description of the characters. I was talking about it at dinner with my own kids. My youngest looked at me and said, "Umm, mom, that's a cartoon on Nick Jr." Duh! While it had been a wonderful retelling on my student's part, it wasn't HIS original idea. After that, I decided I needed to GET INFORMED and be 'part of THEIR WORLD'! So I have some little helpers now that help me stay current on all the latest TV shows, hit songs, cool fashions, new toys, and movies  (just to name a few).

Here are my experts! My five oldest grandkids. Ranging in the expert kid age of 11 to 5 years old.

We've had a blast going to the latest summer movies for kids. We've seen Monster's University and Despicable Me 2 but we still have 2 more to go- Turbo and Airplanes. We've gone shopping for school clothes and checked out the hit YouTube videos (Taylor Swift is their #1). Ninjago is way cool and Finneas and Ferb are really funny. Needless to say, they've taught me lots!

Now when a kiddo in my class says, "let me be the first to say- ewww". I'll know where that came from. When they start talking about Ninjago I'll know it's a Lego toy. I'll be able to carry on an intelligent conversation with them and maybe, just maybe, be able to connect, bond, or motivate them.

If you can't tell, I LOVE spending time with these cuties! They keep me informed, up-to-date, and 'part of their world! Which makes me a better teacher!