Kira Bell

Come to the edge.

We might fall.

Come to the edge.

It's too high!

COME TO THE EDGE!

And they came,

and he pushed,

and they flew.

--Christopher Logue (1969)

Greetings Families,

I am thrilled to be here at TBSCC for the new school year! While I am new as a teacher this year, I am not new to TBSCC. Some families may have seen me throughout the year as a substitute or in the Summer Camp program in the first few weeks.

I loved school as a child. I enjoyed being challenged. I loved having freedom to be creative. I was thrilled to learn something new. All of these, I aim to bring with me into a classroom whenever I teach. Having a background in Deaf education, where children arrive to the classroom at different places, I strive to meet each child where they are in development and push them to their potential.

Over the course of my education, I've had many opportunities to work in different educational settings. In my preschool experience, I really took away the feeling of being flexible. Being flexible in preschool is extremely important. A teacher must be flexible in curriculum, changes throughout the day, and family needs. With thought to the curriculum, the children decide where the next step is and as a teacher, I must follow their lead. If the children are interested in baking, then as a teacher, it is my job to engage children in learning about the bakery through science, dramatic play, art, music, and all the while encouraging children to keep on developing their age appropriate skills.

Family is a big part of my life, and it is a big part of preschool. I have had many families in my life so far-- my family with my parents and brother, Hebrew School, college, graduate school, and close friends. Without family, the support systems that children, teachers, and the community come to rely on-- things just don't go as smoothly. Families are there for one another, through thick and thin, and I am excited to be joining the fabulous family that is TBSCC!

I first saw the poem above,by Christopher Logue, at my most recent student teaching placement this past spring. This poem, Come to the Edge, reminds me why I am involved in education--to create a place with a community or family, where children can learn and grow and soar.

I look forward to seeing and meeting each and every family at TBSCC, please stop by the Unicorn room to introduce yourself!

Until then,

Kira

Laura Walsh

Exploring the world with young children has always been one of my greatest pleasures.  Working with young children is especially rewarding because, as a teacher, you collaborate so closely with the family.   Together we spend the year exploring, observing, and discussing how your child views the world.  For many children this is the first time they've ventured into the world without his/her parents.  As a teacher it is a gift to accompany children as they experience things for the first time independent of their families - from making new friends, exploring new ideas and concepts, to learning how to put their lunches away.  Watching the pride that emanates from children as they accomplish both small and large milestones during the year reminds me, on a daily basis, why I love to teach.

My brief time with the TBS camp this summer showed me what a loving, supportive environment TBS provides to children and their families  Most importantly, I saw teachers and children engaged together in joyful learning.   One of my greatest joys as a teacher is exploring nature with children, and I never underestimate how much a child can learn in their own backyard.  When I saw the teachers at TBS seizing that opportunity with so much creativity this summer, I knew this would be a good match for my teaching style. 

My goal for each child is to help them meet with success in the classroom by reaching their optimal potential.  For a child under five this means exploring the world through play, reading wonderful books, learning new songs and poems, and engaging in activities that challenge and excite them.  Most importantly, it means developing new relationships with peers and teachers that reinforce their self esteem and help them to grow. I look forward to getting to know everyone in the year ahead!

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you."- A.A. Milne

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