What guides the decision… When do I play? When I’m wanted. When I’m invited. I do play: I make diaper changing a game. Outside. Whenever. When I need a break from paperwork. In the bike room. When I have time. Sometimes all I have time to do is assist others. At the beginning of the day, when all the kids trickle in. When we dance! As kids wake up from rest time… smaller groups. I don’t play… “Go away!” When they’re involved with each other. (It rarely happens.) When I’m changing diapers. When they’re eating… even though they decide to play while they’re eating. Nap time. Trying to stop an undesired behavior. When crossing streets, etc – when they want to jump… When I’m the only one in the classroom – I’m the “classroom manager.” When I don’t like that game. (I say no more now that I’ve taken these classes – being more genuine, less obligated.) When we have a fire drill. When I feel bad = sad, mad, tired, sick, grouchy, hangry. When they’re upset.

How’s it going…? Horrible. Not enough time! X 2 I get really anxious. Now that she’s my project, I don’t want to do anything wrong. It’s hard to play with someone you don’t like. She’s tolerating me but not really playing. If I am imperfect, she rejects me and leaves the play. I found out he likes soccer, and I can get him to play with me if I say that. She’s starting to treat me like her friend – hitting, throwing, etc. She’s super ornery right now. She’s playing with older kids, getting challenged more, but fighting back. It’s so hard to focus on just one kid. Had to push him onto a different teacher. Being in charge of a large group of children it is hard to focus on one child. The first day I had a really bad attitude so I didn’t play and just observed and found some positive things.