I was very much like Elinor from the PBS KIDS show Elinor Wonders Why. As a child, I always asked questions and was curious about everything. My grandmother and mom were very patient with my constant questions. When I got a little older, I began to play “school” by sharing what I learned with my younger siblings at home. I was always teaching as a child, even with neighbors and extended family.
As a teenager, I accepted a job at a childcare center. I loved working with the preschoolers at the childcare. So, it makes sense that I would turn all of that into a career as a teacher. I can’t really say how long I’ve been a teacher because I would have to include my time teaching my siblings, neighbors and extended family. I’ve always enjoyed helping others learn.
Recently, I retired and thought that was the end of teaching for me. Then, I accepted a part-time position with Smart Start of Yadkin County as a family outreach specialist. With this new position, I work with caregivers and their children through the Kaleidoscope Play and Learn program, whose main goal is to prepare young children for kindergarten.
I have the pleasure of reading books to children and caregivers during the group session. It’s very rewarding to see children—and caregivers—get involved with the story. They literally hang on every word when I read aloud as I use storytelling enthusiasm and props. Sometimes, they ask me to read it again. That’s when I know I’ve got them hooked. Then, I encourage their caregivers to do the same. I’m empowering caregivers to read the stories. I feel proud when caregivers read the story the way I did. Now, we have a new group of readers/storytellers!
One caregiver told me that she saw her child reading to her stuffed animals. I feel confident that the Kaleidoscope Play and Learn families will spread the love of reading and curiosity for learning to others in the Yadkin County community.
Build vehicles out of inspiration from nature. Spark imagination and encourage young learners to explore new ideas.
Use these printable pennants and headers to create a Wonder Wall space in your classroom.
Use this episode as a home connection or to encourage students to ask questions and investigate their curiosities about the world.
Robin Lockhart-Jackson graduated from NC A&T State University and Salem College. For several years, she and her mother operated a small in-home daycare. Robin taught preschool, first and second grade, and community college. Currently, Robin works part-time in Yadkin County with the Kaleidoscope Play and Learn program. There she works with small groups of children (birth-5) and caregivers using themes provided by the Kaleidoscope program to prepare children for kindergarten; playgroups are held in three different facilities in the community during the year. In summer, older preschoolers and kindergarteners are invited to join for a park-based Kaleidoscope Summer program which provides reading, writing, art, water play, planting and playground time.