Firefighters!

I love days like this.

To preface, I actually turned down 3 or 4 jobs for today before finally taking the one I did: a kindergarten at a school I like but don't go to often. I still wasn't feeling that great last night when they kept calling me, and they were all for schools or grades I didn't love that much. But this morning when I got called again I finally decided to suck it up and go. I'm so glad I did, because not only will I have an extra day on the paycheck, but it was super easy and fun and the kids were so cute.

Right off the bat when I arrive I learn that the classes are getting visits from some firefighters today. Three firemen arrived and talked to the class about the gear the firefighters wear and one guy put it all on to show the kids what he looked and sounded like when he was in it. They talked to the kids a lot about not being afraid of the fireman if you're stuck in a fire, because even though he may look and sound weird or scary, he's there to help. Then they had the kids practice crawling low to the ground to escape a smoky room, talked to them about not playing with matches, and had them practice "stop, drop, and roll". After that we went out to the front of the school where the firetruck was parked and the fireman walked them all around the truck and showed them the different parts of the truck. The kids were amazed at the hoses and nozzles and lights and anything else the firefighters showed them. It was very fun.

One of the girls in the afternoon group actually did get scared of the firefighter when he started putting all the gear on and I had to spend much of the presentation right by her side whispering reassurances to her. However, once we got out to the firetruck she eventually left my side and was right up front with all the rest clambering to touch anything the fireman held out to them.

After the firefighter excitement we had snack, recess and free choice/art time.

Don't think I could have hand-picked a more enjoyable day. :)