Puppy Love

The arrival of preschool age in children is a time when lots of things start happening. I observe much because I never forget anything. One could only wonder if love truly starts at a young age such as four. One particular spring day, one of the four-year-old boys was swinging along side a six-year-old girl with long shiny hair. To my amazement, I saw his eyes trace her figure!

Becca’s child Tyler, had developed a fondness for a friend named Jilly. While they were immersed in imaginative playing in the toy room, Tyler said, "Come on, let’s get back to the ranch!" He also said, "Jilly is my baby and always will be."

Another scenario that occurred last autumn involved a four-year-old boy Zach, and a girl, Ellie, of the same age. Although they were in separate classrooms, when they went out to recess, the teachers and I noticed how they would hang out near the oak tree a lot.  They were always together talking, or looking at the rocks on the ground, or perhaps examining bugs.  Zach and Ellie could not wait to go outside to be together. To confirm that they liked each other’s innocent company, the next day Ellie found and picked a dandylion flower to give to Zach. Since Zach was in my classroom, I asked him about his girlfriend, and he blushed!  He did say that he liked her very much. The little romance lasted a few weeks, definitely a case of puppy love.

When I checked back recently and asked, "They were still very much fond of each other all through their preschool year," laughed one teacher. "However, Zach had acquired a second love and gave both girls Valentine's cards. I even saw one of the little girls giving the boy a hug and singing to him softly."

Valentine Cupids

We must not forget the little ones that have a bit of romance going on with their friends. Most noticed are those who are high maintenance, sensitive and totally not the kids who certainly touch the heart. Especially Cameron. The little blond, blue-eyed boy who comes in daily, already has his teachers on guard for his unpredictable behavior of using fists and shouts of constant protest -- clearly challenging for many. Yet when he greets me in the morning on the playground with his little arms around my knees, it warms my heart.

As I asked about who got Valentine’s gifts, one teacher said, "Ellie got a card from Zach, and Cameron brought in fresh roses for Elise." Cameron’s certainly kept teachers on their toes daily, but still he was a compassionate soul and the Cupid we all adored.

A Cupful of Threes

As they pass each other in the stroller, they lock gazes in wonderful curiosity at each other. Maybe they meet while in a restaurant, sitting in high chairs, just close enough to communicate in a way that we overlook. Toddlers can have either that sweet innocence or homewrecker label when given the chance. Some say it is the 'terrible twos' that start all the chaos, but I think it's the 'terrible threes' that can be the most challenging and energy-taxing time in child raising. Now that they are able to walk, talk and try to be independent, they sure try their boundaries!

The Bruiser

As a teacher’s aid, watching the three-year-olds can truly be entertaining to me. These little humans all eat lunch together at tables, just before nap time. I have noticed one particular boy, who I call the "bruiser," since he gets extremely frustrated when he does not get his way. A bruiser is a toddler who will one day possibly become a football player, wrestler and such, simply because he likes to move his whole body through the crowd of other boys and girls his age -- just to reach a toy, a book, or crayon to decorate the walls with.

And yet the brusier can also show extreme sensitivity when he is hit or knocked down on the playground. When he cries, he cries furiously and from the gut, like a lion. The bruiser can also steal food or snacks from his friends while at lunch. He can also knock down a big lego tower of blocks, causing his friends to cry in outrage.

Ms. Mouse

Some of the girls can be sassy and already being groomed into being 'plastic,' since they like pretty boa-type purses, shoes and coats. There's one particular little girl I call the 'mouse,' because of her big deep brown eyes and the fact that she is so quiet.  She will also sit awake during naptime, and reprimanding her to rest has been exhausting, but as long as she is quiet, all is calm in the room. Sometimes. On certain days, toddlers will sleep the whole time, while on others, they will talk and play and sing songs to themselves that make you laugh as you're trying to reprimand them. 'Mouse' does her own thing when she wants, where she wants, in the room. But I rarely hear her talk. It is almost as if her brown eyes are absorbing all she can see around her.

Once, while talking with one of the teachers, I remarked about how quiet this little girl was. To my surprise, the little girl perked up and said aloud, "What!?"  Seems she is listening much more than I thought!

All are welcome to share their stories about children with other readers of Dawson Times. Do you remember teaching children a sport or a game? What happened exactly? If you'd like to share your story, please e-mail Laura at la.marie.71@hotmail.com.

Laura James, a DawsonTimes guest columnist, is a Kennesaw student working on her second degree in Art Education. She is also a preschool teacher's aid who holds a special place in her heart for all the children she has watched. In Laura's words, "No matter what kind of day I have had, the children I have always made it better! Kids remind us that we're all human and it is okay to be funny or a little clumsy. I have had twenty years of experience, including working at my mom's home daycare. I am even surprised that one of the kids we watched is old enough to attend Kennesaw State University. My mom Rebecca, is the oldest of eight children. I think she is truly a veteran. Every mom is a veteran."