Christina in the Red Room

For the past few weeks Maple 4 has been working with the YMCA in Marquette, Michigan. I have been working mostly at Vandenboom, a school for little kids. I have worked mostly in the Red Room which is the 4 year olds classroom. These kids are really rambunctious. Ray has been asking me since the first day I came into the class if I was their “new teacher", even though each time I respond I will only be here for 8 weeks. Jake loves Spiderman, he even has Spiderman light up shoes that I am slightly jealous of. I used to love light up shoes. Emma always shows me her flower hat towel and butterfly water bottle. Lachlan is always excited to have me sit next to him at lunch time or walk next to him in line.

“ Drew and Christina do the dinosaur dance.”

The first day I came into their classroom they were choosing pirate names; some of my favorites were Fackson Hook, Crockson Hook, and Captain Carrot. They all wanted to either be a Hook or a Captain, and later that week we even went on a treasure hunt. This week is healthy food week; they’ve been making healthy snacks in class such as trail mix with coconut (my favorite), chocolate chips, Cheerios, Chex, raisins, and pretzels. It was really good. They next day they made soy butter (no peanut butter because kids are allergic) and banana sandwiches. Today they tested strawberry, chocolate and normal milk. Strawberry milk won their vote for best flavor of milk.

Our housing is within walking distance of Lake Superior, which is amazing. I am from New Hampshire, so I miss the coast. The biggest of Great Lakes almost makes up for the lack of coastline. Especially when you go into the lake swimming and realize it is just as cold as the Atlantic Ocean.

~Christina