October 26, 2017
|
On the last day there were some troubles taking turns with Buttercup, a lot of children wanting a turn and not enough time for everyone to have a fair turn during the preschool time together. I do not use timers, I use the "May I have a turn when you are finished" way. This empowers the children to be able to be done when they feel they are done and not have to sacrifice time with something because someone else wants a turn and they HAVE to give it up when the timer goes off or when I say it's time. However, it does create some conflict for those waiting for a turn, especially when it is taking a long time, or they may not get a turn that day.
|
|
SO, I decided to have a meeting this morning, I had gathering time set up and Buttercup beside my chair. I asked the children why they thought Buttercup was at our meeting and no one really said anything.. then "L" said that maybe she was sick. I was like, oh I don't think she's sick and "L" pipes up and says, "She's pregnant! She's going to have a baby!" I was like WHAT! I had no idea! "L" also exclaimed that a way we would all have a fair share was to all be Dr.s to take care of Buttercup and that way everyone gets a turn. So we discussed her having a baby and using the Dr. items at preschool to take care of her and then we talked about being thoughtful when taking turns and to be mindful of our time being spent with Buttercup so everyone could possibly have a turn.....
|
|
The meeting was AMAZING. The children were in charge of and they all negotiated and helped arrange the list of names to print on the clip board for turn taking. EVERYONE got a fair turn today all child-led! I am so proud of all the kiddos for being so thoughtful of each other and the process of the problem solving. And she was well taken care of today- considering her new condition...
|
October 12, 2017. It all began when we went on a field trip to McMillan Pumpkin Patch. There was a plastic horse and cow. Some of the children were fully immersed in pretend play with the animals. I went home thinking about how I could extend the play and remembered that I did have a horse at StrongStart that the new facilitator said she didn't want. I quickly messaged her and she said that she still had Buttercup and was going to take her to Share the next day! I told her, NO, I need her! I went right away and picked her up and brought her to preschool. I set up some fencing and got her a basket of apples. The next day when the children arrived, they were elated to see Buttercup (October 17, 2017).Over the next week she was well loved by all. We did talk about taking turns and writing a list for turn taking and things seemed to be going smoothly until one day some children were feeling a little upset and frustrated that they weren't getting a turn. That's when I decided it was time to have a meeting (above).
November 7, 2017- Some days we have to write a list (if initiated by a child) and some days we don't. We are anxiously waiting for her to have her baby. One child goes home and tells her Mom that she has already had her baby (I didn't hear about it at all) and next thing you know, the Mom tells me she has had four babies. "L" insists she still is pregnant.
October 29, 2017 I was on the hunt for a foal so that if Buttercup decided to go into labor, I would have a baby. After many pleads on social media and a lot of driving around town I found one on Amazon.ca. It arrived today (November 8) and I will bring it in to Preschool and tuck it away until Buttercup goes into labor. And the waiting begins...
November 9, 2017- So, today “L” was in the kitchen and “C” was hanging out with Buttercup near “L”. I made a comment about how she was doing and her pregnancy. “C” said, “She already had her baby!” Inside I was like WHAT I missed it! I said, “Oh when did she have the baby?” She said, “Yesterday.” I said, “Well I was here all day yesterday and I didn’t hear or see anything.” “C” then said, “At my house!” Phew I thought... Then I think at this time, our student teacher ”S” made a comment about how long a horse is pregnant for and “L” said she was going to have her baby the day after tomorrow. I said, “I hope not, we won’t be here, preschool is closed.” Then she exclaimed, “She’s having it today!” So, then I started running around frantically getting my phone to video and my camera to take photos while helping them prepare. The two children moved Buttercup to the doctor’s office. “C” was dressing up for the doctor and “L” the helper. We had to get a blanket, a bottle, put on the doctor shirt, mask, and gloves and measuring tapes to measure the baby after being born. Buttercup was covered up with a blanket and a turtle puppet was placed under her blanket. Next thing you know she’s giving birth. I quickly grab the baby and wrapped her up and called the two children over and handed them the baby. (I was able to capture a bit on video at this time). They both looked at me and “L” said, “You got a new baby horse?” And I said, “Buttercup had her baby.” “S” asked, “Is the baby healthy?” “L” said, “Yup, and now we have to train her.” and she went over and took the turtle out from under the blanket and put it aside. “C” said, “I can train her.” Then “S” said, “Maybe she should see her mom. Do they look alike?” “L” said, “No, but we have to train.” “C” brought baby to her Mama and “S” said, “They do look alike don’t they.” “C” continued to admire the two of them together for a minute or so and then “C” ensured the baby was able to nurse and then quickly baby was whisked off by Claire and “L” took care of Buttercup. Buttercup and her baby were well taken care of during the day. Many turns were wanted with the new baby (although not everyone got a turn and am sure will be anxiously waiting for their turn next week). Two baby names were suggested. I made a suggestion that over the next little bit we could ask the children their thoughts and come up with a name. They agreed. Our volunteer Lyn made a comment about how fast the delivery was and I said, "I got a book from the library, let's see what it says." So we read a little bit about Foals. I have more books to pick up from the library this weekend to extend the learning...
Do we stop here now that the baby is here? Nope, we wait for the cycle of curiosity to continue with the life of Buttercup and baby…. More to come! (see below for what was said in the afternoon class)
November 12, 2017 some friends of Buttercups came for a visit (last photo)
Here's a twist, in the afternoons on M/W/F I am flat out told that her name is not Buttercup. Her name is Chica Linda (from the movie Spirit- I had to google it!). There's only ever a little bit of talk about her being pregnant- mostly mentioned by myself. Most of the time she has fallen and gets broken legs.... We shall see when they come in the day she gives birth... stay tuned...
So, I placed Buttercup and her baby beneath her legs in the doctor's office. "H" walked in, saw the baby and was excited there was a baby. She said, "Why is there a baby now?" I said, "Remember, she was pregnant, well this morning she had her baby." "H" said, "Just like my mom!" I said, "Yes, your mom had her babies a few weeks ago," There wasn't much talk about the baby during this class. A lot of children wanting a turn with the baby though and a lot of interest in listening to Lyn read the Horse book that I got from the library. We shall see what unfolds tomorrow afternoon....
So, I placed Buttercup and her baby beneath her legs in the doctor's office. "H" walked in, saw the baby and was excited there was a baby. She said, "Why is there a baby now?" I said, "Remember, she was pregnant, well this morning she had her baby." "H" said, "Just like my mom!" I said, "Yes, your mom had her babies a few weeks ago," There wasn't much talk about the baby during this class. A lot of children wanting a turn with the baby though and a lot of interest in listening to Lyn read the Horse book that I got from the library. We shall see what unfolds tomorrow afternoon....
November 14, 2017- Today I received a list of possible names for Buttercup's Baby. I think we will have to have a meeting soon to discuss what her name should be!
