I Want Restoration!
Since last March, most of my thoughts have been on the idea of having school in a “normal” or “original” setting. When I was asked to write on Restoration this month….it was like a breath of fresh air to voice my inner thoughts out loud. I WANT RESTORATION! I want things back to the way they were before COVID-19 and the Derecho.
I started looking back at what was lost (in my mind) in 2020. The last day of our school year was the middle of March. We lost three and half months of tuition. We did not get to say good-bye to our students. Our classrooms needed major repair to even think of starting school. We are limited to no more than 10 students in a classroom. They must be six feet apart. No “learning to share” at play time. Toys, tables, chairs must be sanitized after a child plays or touches it. No parents in the building. No guest readers. So much extra time and stress on teachers to fulfill the COVID-19 requirements. I could go on and on.
So the idea of an “original setting,” but maybe better, gives me pause to realize that restoration is happening at Noah’s Ark. There are so many blessings to give thanks for this year.
New staff and smaller classrooms have encouraged closer friendships. Students feel more confident. Teachers have truly gotten to know their students. Parents may not agree, but by not allowing parents into the building at drop-off, we have greatly decreased our students who have separation anxiety by re-directing them immediately. Students and teachers have been healthier this year than in the past. (Knock on wood, right?)
All in all, I can see a total restoration (both back to its original and improved beyond measure) occurring for Noah’s Ark right now. Every day is a blessing to love on our students, show them God’s love, and grow together. If you have ever taught, you know you will ALWAYS receive more when teaching than what you give.
Kris Crowther
Director of Noah’s Ark Preschool
