Swan diving into Fall...

Here we are, leaves changing into shades of red and gold, crispness in the air, children getting in the groove of the daily routines of learning....it's all good! In fact, it is better than good. It is WONDERFUL! Everyday is different when you are a teacher. There are challenges that blow our smooth sailing in another direction and there are those funny moments that again, I must share.

I asked the class, "We are about to study Native Americans. Does anyone know what Native Americans are?"  A few children threw their hands up. Here are some of the answers I got "They are monkeys that live in America. They are a type of bear that hibernates. They live at the North Pole near Santa Claus." Only two children knew what they are. These two little girls went to the same preschool. I asked them to stand and tell the class what they are. Together they announced "Indians".   "OH" the remaining 90% of the class responded. Then I saw the light bulbs go off. Hands flew up like arrows shooting into the sky. I heard two stories of "Well, the cowboys had to fight off the indians and they were bad and had wolf skins on. The head  of the wolf was the top of the wolf skin....etc. "   Can you say...Dancing with Wolves?  Hmmm... hope he didn't see the entire movie!

 Anyway, we will begin a unit on Native Americans, specifically the Plains Indians. The children will learn about some of their customs and ways of living. They will be able to compare and contrast their life style with their own modern day living and a little bit about the Pilgrims. Since we are the only country in the world that celebrates Thanksgiving, I think it is only fitting to do so. While mentioning that Native Americans were the only people in America before the Pilgrims arrived from England in their big ship. "Does anyone know the name of the big ship that brought them to America?"  A little girl softly said "I think it was the Cauliflower!"   :)

These conversations, so precious and endearing to me, are so important to have with my little learners. They help shape my decisions about the future direction of my work. My class is going to learn a lot about Native Americans and Pilgrims these next two weeks! I love teaching kindergarten!!!!