Herding Cats

Day one of Vacation Bible School: Baobab Blast

I'm working in the 3 year old room with Patrick's group. I've never volunteered for VBS. Hell, I've never even attended it as a student. But I feel strongly that if I use a church service, I need to give back to it as well.

I don't know if they've ever done a group for kids this young. Thank goodness the head teacher is also a pre-school teacher! She's great with the kids and has a good handle on the group.

We both agree that three hours is too long for this age. And they need more snacks. When we got home, Patrick told me for the first time "My tummy hurts!" I told him it needed food to feel better. After some crackers and a big glass of milk, he told me he needed a nap. Then he took one for three hours.

It's a sweet group of kids, with several just like Patrick! All twichy energy and lots of enthusiasm. 12 kids, 2 girls, 10 boys. That's a lot of boy energy in one room.

We've decided to add another snack time, get out of the room but not go up the stairs, two outdoor playtimes, and stories with pictures. Plus a good amount of free play.

And, oh yeah, talk about God. The curriculum is good, just difficult to simplify for this age. They are just a bit too young for it.

Another mom stayed with her kids, praise the good Lord in Heaven. So we had three adults to 12 kids. A 1:4 ratio of adults to kids is preferable, since many kids haven't been to a preschool structured atmosphere before. They need a lot of herding. And a couple of boys are definitely on the spectrum, although quite high functioning. They just get overwhelmed easily and need an adult to help them chill. Our youth helper is good, just young and needs direction of his own.

Oh, and I had Fiona with me as well. She was the easiest of all. Loved watching all the kids from her Baby K'Tan.

I'm helping Monday and Tuesday, Kevin has Wednesday, and we'll both be there Thursday and Friday. I'm hoping another parent will consider staying tomorrow as well. It really makes a difference.

It's nice to know my boy isn't the only kid who acts like a ding a ling :)