Connecting with Kids

This past weekend I embarked on a new volunteer opportunity - and fell in love.  With reading.  To kids.  The organization is called just that, Reading to Kids, where volunteers meet once a month on a Saturday morning at various Mid-City schools in Los Angeles.  Readers are divided among groups of children from kindergarten through fifth grade, and they are absolutely adorable.  With a partner, volunteers read a pre-selected book that is read the same day at all seven locations.  After the story is finished, an arts and crafts project follows inspired by the story.

A big fan of the little ones, I was matched with a handful of kindergartners and we read the old classic, "There's a Nightmare In My Closet." It was so refreshing to see the excitement in their eyes as you engaged with each one, "what do you think is going to happen," or "what do you think you would do?"  Each child, no matter how shy, was able to participate and connect in a way that I had not expected.  The purity, the genuine interest, the natural rush of what was going to happen... I think just being there with them and watching them get into the day gave me more satisfaction than they got.  And that's what it's all about, right?

Being excited about creating excitement is every (good) educator's motto.  I have an immense amount of respect for all teachers and administrators that dedicate their lives on a daily basis to planting the seeds of imagination and cultivating our youth.  I admire the volunteers maybe even more so that continue to give of their time only to be paid with the tingle of knowing they made an impact, no matter how small, no matter how long it may take to manifest. 

If you like spending time with children and are located in Los Angeles, I highly recommend you look into this organization.  If you are in another city, explore what options are available to interact directly with kids.  I realize these days time is a precious commodity, but I can guarantee it will be worth it. For a little less sleep that day, or in place of a couple of watching a couple of tv shows, you will walk away with a feeling of accomplishment and knowing that you are helping to shape a generation of kids that need your attention, encouragement and vibrant energy.  It just may be contagious...