I had an absolute blast doing my service-learning project with Gold Ridge Preschool! Originally, I expected this project to really only be an assignment I would do for class and that be the end. In the midst of creating our Dinosaur Garden, playing with the kids and observing how they interact with each other, I knew I had to be a part of this environment. I truly felt happy and comfortable being able to provide my services, whether it was teaching the kids the importance of caring for nature or simply running around any playing tag with them.
In class we learned that during infancy toddlers begin to develop trust and mistrust among their parents and those around them. This adaptive behavior stays with and changes among the toddler throughout their years of childhood and into adulthood At Gold Ridge, I noticed a lot of trust vs. mistrust circumstances, specifically if we had presented ourselves in a pleasant manner and walked the students through the processes and said things like "good job" or "you got this", then they seemed to instantly have faith that we were really there for them and wanted to teach them new things (which of course we did!). I noticed at times some students seemed to feel left out, or if we had went to help out another student, they would do something to get our attention back by poking at us or talking louder. I don't think this is necessarily mistrust, but it was interesting to see the joint connection/attention that had developed so quickly between us and the children. Students also showed a lot of initiative. If we had helped one child with planting, then they were ready to plant another, but do it themselves the next time. We would have to offer assistance in ensuring the plants were secured in the soil, but the fact that they were ready to do it on their own, is the first step in believing you can achieve anything, whether it's potting a plant or taking that first step in making new friends. I have found that these basic processes continue to build and develop throughout one's life, and it really does all start at an early age. If you can teach a child to be confident and take initiative (when needed), then there really is nothing that can stop that child from developing into a successful individual.
[Related: From Shared Vision to Reality: Gold Ridge 4C's Preschool and SSU Service-Learning Garden]
I remember one boy named Sawyer told me his dinosaur was eating from an empty tray (which was full of food in his mind) and I asked him where the food was and he pointed inside the empty tray. It made me smile because even though there was physically nothing there, he was able to create a situation in which this food did exist in this empty tray. Being able to use your imagination and create something that may not physically be visible, is the first step in building confidence which will lead to great successes as ages through his life.
As I've gotten older, my imagination hasn't disappeared, but I tend to forget it exists and these kids are so full of imagination and creativity, that I was able to put myself back in the shoes of little ol' Brandon and partake in fun activities where I would utilize my imagination that I have tend to put in the back of my head. Indulging in these activities and participating in a community greater than myself, I am finding my heart, mind and soul much happier and stronger. I strongly encourage those to step out of their comfort zone and be a part of something bigger than themselves, because this has helped me find my individual self and the things I want out of life (that aren't just the typical education, good job, etc). Being able to help others find purpose and confidence in themselves is something invaluable and this has been a huge part of success for me; understanding that we all need people to support, educate and just be there for us.
I've been around so many students who are my age and older, that I tend to forget how free spirited, non stressful and just full of happiness kids can be. I truly felt a happiness I haven't felt in a long time, even if was just creating a garden and spending time with the kids. I don't have a lot of experience with kids at all, but I really felt comfortable and was just being myself. I remember being that young age and having mentors around me who would play games with me, help me with my reading and just be there for me whenever I needed. Even being 21 years of age, I cannot stress how blessed and grateful I am to still have mentors who have been there for me throughout my life. It is nearly impossible to get through life successfully without those mentors, especially family and friends. My class schedule these past couple semesters has been very hectic and being there helped ease my mind and forget about all the daily tasks and stresses us adults deal with (although having 10 kids trying to talk to you at once can get pretty overwhelming!).
[Related: Service-Learning Case Study: Psychology and Early Childhood Education]
Now that my classes are almost over, I've already reached out to the preschool to let them know that I would love to be able to volunteer my time there. Whether it's playing with the kids outside, or even just talking with them and doing the things they enjoy, I am all in for it. I don't know how my schedule will look once finals come around, but I do have some open time to come hangout in between studies, that will sure help me get out of my "study study study" tasks (even though it is my #1 priority). It's important that these kids have role models in their lives, and seeing how the teachers/mentors interact with them, I would love to be a part of a team like that.
I am excited to spend my extra time with them and even the teachers there. Growing up I had a lot of support inside and outside of schooling, so I know the importance of it and would love to give back like how people gave to me. It is essential to growing up and just learning how to make friends, deal with challenging situations, and so on. I know I don't have a lot of schooling experience with kids, but I really believe I can help out a lot and make a differences in these kids lives. I appreciate the opportunity!