Starting it off with a bit of everything!

Starting off this year with the most uncomfortable feeling I ever had to go through was somewhat taking a toll on me every single day. That is until it was time to open the doors and let the little ones walk in. Fearful and yet full of courage, I wore my best smile even though I knew no one could see it because of my face mask. My body started to feel less tense but still very cautious of every move I made. They came in one by one, all bouncy, happy and with a whole lot of new baggage. Surprisingly with little to no cries! In just a few seconds I felt at home and in my element. I was not prepared for them to be so responsive and well knowledge about the situation, but I am glad they co-operated so well. The first week passed by, then the second, third and so on. We are now well on our way to soon close off our first term and I can't believe I'm saying this but I am glad so far is all good.

I never thought that this year would have so many positives too and although I still have my daily concerns, issues and constant worries, on the whole I am trying my best to find a happy medium. All this with plenty of support, love and patience. My colleagues, students guardians and above all my family are always ready to lift me up or keep up with me. Am I having my doubtful days, my endless sleepless nights and my overwhelming moments? Indeed I still am, however unlike to when I started, I am now somewhat more selective about my feelings. I am channeling more positivity by looking at the brighter sides and although I do have my bad days, somehow or another something positive eventually comes out if it. For that I am thankful.

You never know how the day would unfold unless you are present and living in the moment, so that is exactly how I am making my days meaningful. I am willingly participating in this new experience and with all my anxieties, I seem to make it through with a few glitches. Fearful and fearless at the same time just like many, but honestly I thought I would be handling them differently. I am proud of how my flexibility is still well in tune because it is making my very bad days work with mega ease. There is not just one way of doing things, but there is at least a way. Following through with the necessary protocols like everyone else, I too have my limits, but at least this new experience is giving me hope. Luckily for me I have a strong support system. Together we are facing this new reality and going about it even though we have our limitations.

The feeling of just being present for those WOW moments is indescribable. You get to witness the milestones of your students and celebrate them together. Those achievements are what keeps us going and every inch of success they go through, is the reassurance we all seek. This unpredictable circumstance should not hinder their growth but it should be a new way how they learn. Being versatile, flexible and above all resilient is another skill which we are all learning how to master well this scholastic year. There were doubts about the use of masks and social distancing (even I am not afraid to admit my fair share of it) in a kindergarten setting, but in reality we are being proven that it could be done. Is it difficult? In some cases more than others just like everything else. Of course we worry but that is because we care and not because we are stubborn.

Our days haven't been short of fun adventures especially with the messy plays, sensory glory, discussions, free play, outdoor play etc. We still have our morning greetings, our brain breaks, flexible seating and an abundance amount of fun. Started the year with pirates, treasures, sword fighting and cannon ball shooting and then moved on to another "Dino"-mite experience. What is next? You won't believe me even if I tell you! This week alone was a test of stamina and somehow I am grateful it happened the way it did. Anyone would agree, when I state how unpredictable this year is. Everyday we are learning how to cope, change and solve something new, while still keeping ourselves well balanced in the process of it all.

Some have asked me what is working well? In our case our sense of humor, imagination and plenty of patience. We all are going through the constant hand washing routines, toy sanitizing and endless reminders of germs being everywhere. My focus is still mainly on the children's holistic well being. Are they happy? Yes....Are they bored? No... Are they playing? Of course! When I plan our days I don't stay rigid to what is written on a piece of paper, because change and growth is constantly re-shaping. Being in the present is crucial, because it is the stepping stone we all need for a better future. If this pandemic hasn't taught us anything, it surely taught us all that living in the moment is key. That is why I still follow the emergent curriculum because now more than ever, it's implementation is necessary.

Indeed I am busier even when I have less students physically attending, because I am the kind of person who gives my all or nothing at all. I can't complain much about how our days together are going because so far they are still going. A personal lesson I've learnt back when I was still in the entertainment field (and I think it is relevant now more than ever) is,

"Even an audience of one should get the BEST out of you because for that one, YOU can make a difference to their future!"

Nothing would have prepared me for this new adventure! A start up like no other. Anxiety, confusion and above all a new boat to rock in. Luckily I have been keeping up with my work load and above all my beloved students! They are the ones who keep me striving through such a tense and difficult time. In a time when hugs are missed and smiles are even more priceless than ever, you start to appreciate the little things that life throws at you. In my case, the beautiful bunch I have been blessed with are simply the best dose of medicine I could ever been prescribed with. Yes we are still in our very early stages and we are still learning about one another, but the amount of love they portray with every day is enough to keep me going.