Ms. Holly
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(Classroom 2)
Introduction from Jessica Engel, Director of Operations
Ms. Holly will be leaving Dancing Moose Montessori, after four years of working with two year olds here. She is going on to a new adventure with her expectant daughter (Due in July 2012).
Ms. Holly has been teaching our two year olds since 2008. She has such a fun energy that flows through everything she does. Children love her classroom. Many of our older children started their learning with Ms. Holly, so she has friends of all ages here. Ms. Holly has been a cooperative team player, always sharing her skills, talents and supplies to others in need. She always has a contagious smile and shares the funniest stories about her students.
Teacher Speak: From Ms. Holly
Curricular Highlight
In my four years teaching the two year olds, I have loved exploring phonics with them, basic concepts that will aid them in math, identifying patterns, and one of our constant challenges “Using our words”! Around age two, most children experience a huge verbal boom! It is very exciting to be a part of, but also a challenge to get his or her friends to listen and understand those words! It is also a time where kids move out of parallel play mode to interacting with other kids. It is so fun to see them learn how to be a good friend! I have also loved exploring the world as they explore theirs! While I have been teaching, I have had many children from China, India, and Eastern Europe. It has been fun exploring the animals, cultural highlights, music, and landmarks while incorporating school basics into it. I will miss our Bollywood dance parties!
Student Excitement
We get excited about many things: From a new work, peeing in the potty, or even a tiny rock that was found in a pocket! This year, I have loved the excitement my class has for Story time! They can sit through 5-6 books in a row. One of my favorite story moments was after I had already read many books and they were still sitting so nicely. I asked them if they were ready for recess or if they wanted me to read one more book. Suddenly, I saw a hand shoot up in the air in a fist. It was accompanied by excited voice shouting, ”ONE MORE BOOK!” Followed by huge cheer from the rest of the class! That is the closest I think I will ever get to feeling like a rock star! My favorite form of excitement though, is seeing the kids happy to come to my class! That is how I know that my co-teacher and I are doing a good job!
Questions and Comments to Smile Aboutcoming soon
I love teaching the twos because there isn’t a day when they don’t make me laugh! I will miss the moments of contagious giggles, creative play, and peaceful work times. It is an honor to see them try to make sense of their world. Here are some of my favorite moments….
One child having to wait their turn screamed at the top of her lungs, ”I’m patient! I’m ready! I’m patient!”
One kid waiting to use the potty while another child all dressed in pink was going: Child A, “Ms. Holly, is she peeing?” I replied, ”yes. Everyone pees in the potty!” Child A, “Is it pink? EVERYTHINGS PINK!”
For years, I trained and performed improvisational and sketch comedy in Los Angeles, and I have never had to draw on those skills more than when it comes to 2 year olds! One child was having a hard time potty training; and when asked to go he would refuse. So, I pretended to be Darth Vader and tried to use Jedi mind tricks on him. I would say things like, “You will pee in your big boy underwear, Young Skywalker!” He would strike a gallant Jedi pose and boldly reply, ”Never!” and run right in to use the potty!
One of my favorite moments was early this year during work time. It was one of those “Mary Poppin’s Days” as I like to call them. Where everyone is using their words, keeping their feet on the floor, and using their nice quiet voice. One of my little friends was drawing on our dry erase board and another friend asked what it was. In response to this question, the child said,” It kind of looks like an imagination.” I totally agreed.
Creative Arts Project in an Integrated Curriculum
I also feel that art is a very important learning tool for kids of all ages, and I am not afraid to get the paint out! I have loved teaching Moose Boost art classes for the 2’s! Exploring different mediums and learning about famous artists and their works! I also have loved painting things for our hallways that can be more educational than words, like the true to life baby humpback whale.
Posted: March 23, 2012
