After a couple months in the children's department, I'm learning that this is just the sort of environment I was meant to be in. After a couple incidents with helping children use the computers (learning stations) and have them give me hugs as thanks... yeah, there's very little stress to be had here. Maybe it's because I'm so laid back (I had some coworkers from circ ask me about it and then comment on some of the parents that come through. I suppose these parents drive them crazy, but I really don't know anything about that. Maybe I have encountered this type of parent, but if I have, then I don't remember. I can empathize with people, so if they were rude or short with me, I probably understood why and didn't take offense.
But, the one big thing that's happening that I'm excited for is the CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING I'll get to do! I've been assigned to do two preschool programs -- one on the 22nd and one on the 23rd -- and I'm ultra-excited about it. Sure, I'm nervous as hell because I don't know that many rhymes/songs or even finger plays, but I've been picking my coworker's brains for ideas, and they've been very helpful in explaining the format of the programs they do. Now that I have a basic idea of how things go, I can plot a program for everyone to enjoy.
The only thing that excites me more is the thought that, once I'm comfortable with the regular programming, that I can introduce some new programs to the department. There aren't any programs for school-aged children, and I think some sort of reading program might help strengthen their interest in books. I'd like to run a program where I read chapter books to groups over the course of several sessions. I loved being read to when I was a kid and I'm sure there are those who love it, but who might not have anyone to read to them.
Also, I want to run a writing club for kids. That would be so AWESOME that I can't even express how I feel about it now. Needless to say that it would be ultra-positive and my ultimate goal as a tech! Inspire those young minds to great things and help them discover creative outlets.
