The Magic That Happens at Camp

Summer camp at the Portland Waldorf School has begun. I was excited to start working but when I arrived at the school on Monday morning I had no idea just how happy I was to be there. I hadn't taught since mid May and was anxious to get back.

There is something about working at the Waldorf school that makes me so happy it is nearly indescribable. It's somewhat a feeling of worth and the satisfaction anyone gets from doing something they are good at. But really it's the magic of children. I have never wanted my own children and, for the most part, still feel that way (although lately the baby clock I didn't know I had has been tugging at my arm). I love the problem solving. It's so simple in actuality but at the same time it can be so difficult for them work out their emotions. The hardest thing the past couple days has been social obstacles that some of the children are not used to.

This summer there are kids from other schools (local Waldorf, Charter, and Montessori schools). This can always present challenges simply because they do not know each other and, while both receiving alternative education, have had vastly different experiences. We have one 5 or 6 year old girl who has been having an especially difficult time. She used to have seizures up until very recently. She is a high anxiety child and becomes upset very easily. For example, just before snack time today she very loudly stated that she HATES fruit salad (our snack for the day). She became very agitated and was yelling repeatedly that "it sucks!" and that she will not eat it. She was also shaking and nearly in tears. I think because of her past problems with seizures, her anxiety but about unfamiliar situations is extremely heightened. She is very hard to calm down and if anyone speaks to her she begins yelling at them. Most of the time a teacher needs to take her out of the room and explain to her several times that she does not need to eat the fruit salad. I was with her today. Having never really experienced a child like this, and knowing it would pass, I took it as a learning opportunity and a chance to more deeply understand her issues.

We were able to join the group again and sit at the table calmly and politely drinking our own "plain" water. It was an interesting and seriously rewarding (corny, I know) experience. I have not had any formal training as a teacher and everything I've learned has been through experience and the observation of teachers I have worked with. I can not thank them enough for all of their advice and gentle guidance. Waldorf is were I want to be, where I am heading, and where I want to stay. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have been given. (Funny stories coming soon!)