My first year of teaching....and six years later I know why I am here.

Six years ago, I began my adventure of teaching preschool and never once did I think it would change the way I viewed the world.  Last year I was introduce to a child that had down syndrome, little did I know he would be in my classroom months later.  My first intial reaction to the news was  a little skeptical at first because I was not sure how I would be able to teach and meet the needs of each child and still be available to this child with disability.  Little did I know that child would change my world....Over the course of 8 months of school this child and I spent 6 hours a day with each other we accompolish potty training, he learned how to write his name, all the typical preschool curriculum.  My children and I grew to love this little boy he became the leader of our classroom teaching others to share and be kind, and most importantly to be tolerant of others.   In June of 2011 after a year of preschool I had to say to good-bye to my special friend as he embarked on the world of kindergarten. I must say it was the most difficult task I have had to do in my career in teaching.  I cried at our graduation, never once thinking of how this child changed me until I realized I had to say good-bye.  I miss you dearly my friend.