Frances P.

“ Playdough, finger paint, crayons, and much more! I've played with, educated, baby-sat, and learned from children as young as infants to high school aged.
I've taught toddlers by using a variety of activities in Sunday School. We'd play with toys while everyone arrived, then we would gather at the round rug for "story time". While going to the next activity, perhaps we'd hop like the bunny that was seen on...

Playdough, finger paint, crayons, and much more! I've played with, educated, baby-sat, and learned from children as young as infants to high school aged.
I've taught toddlers by using a variety of activities in Sunday School. We'd play with toys while everyone arrived, then we would gather at the round rug for "story time". While going to the next activity, perhaps we'd hop like the bunny that was seen on the last page. I feel that it is important to keep activities for young children exciting and interactive; as their attention span is usually rather short. I learned that young children LOVE to make presents/ gifts for people they love. For example around Christmas, my aides and I helped the preschoolers string beads to make candy canes; we also helped them make their own paper. The children were so proud! One by one each ran to show off wrapped their trinket.
I worked with school-aged children while employed through the City of St. Paul at inner city recreation centers (playgrounds). I helped in the development and implementation of programing for children including sport leagues, craft and cooking classes, gym activities, field trips, etc. After one child, who came from a single-parent home asked me for help with her math, I assisted children with homework at the recreation center. I encouraged children to participate in activities like Scouts, recreation center lead classes, sports, volunteering, etc. to show them positive ways to participate in their community. I was also responsible for the safety of those at the recreation center and thus trained in First Aid and Infant/Child/Adult CPR.
During this time at the playgrounds, I also became very active as a "Big Sister" to youth from single-parent homes: 2 sisters in one family and a sister/brother in a different family. I mentored them by instilling in them how important education is by helping them with homework. The 3 girls participated in Girl scouts and various sports for their neighborhood recreation center. My little brother was in Boy scouts and tried several sports, but he was rather shy, so only stayed in his favorite sport- soccer. My little sisters and brother knew that I was involved with teaching Sunday school and wanted to teach too! My little siblings would ask me for advice, come to me when they were upset, etc.
I have taken a break from caring for children to care for a different population and to take care of some medical problems; however, I am ready to work part-time!!

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