Miss Amanda...

When I'm not photographing, I'm Miss Amanda

(I know technically I am suppossed to be Mrs, but miss is so much cuter)

I prepare little lessons in a variety of subjects every day, make them snacks, play with them outside, counsel, etc, etc, etc.

I would be lying if I said that it is super easy.

A lot of our kids come from broken homes, dads in jail, etc...

It takes a lot of discipline, patience, and creative thinking.

BUT

In only three short weeks since I started it has been so rewarding.

I have already become so attached to these kids.

And really feel for the ones that are less fortunate.

(I got transfered to a site yesterday where english is 99% of the kids second language. Two of the kids told me yesterday they got food out of a garbage can that week)

Then there are some at our site that come from perfectly functional, healthy, thriving homes.

It is quite the group of kids.

And super interesting to observe.

I am suprised at how much I have learned about children in these past three weeks. I think the most important thing I've been able to see first hand is the difference the family makes.

This little video is super interesting.

Although i DO believe that teachers make a HUGE difference.

I think the best solution to fixing the decline in education in America starts in the home.

I took a few pictures of some of the cuties the other day.

All together our site has about 25-30 kids when they are all there.

It varies from day to day since it's an afterschool program.

Here are a couple of my lovies.

I will probably post all of their pictures as soon as I get around to it.

Emma, Lauren, Jayden, Kai, and Wylder.

Lauren and Dylan

Today we 'painted on toast'

If you have kids you should do it!

It's so fun.

All you do is get milk, and put food coloring in it.

Get paintbrushes (clean/ new ones please)

And paint on your toast.

Sprinkle sugar, cinnamon, and then toast!

You get a colorful, fun, yummy, artistic piece of toast for a snack or breakfast.

(this was taken on my iphone so you can't really tell cause the bread is all blown out but it's actually really pretty).

Oh how I love them!