My name is Nitasha. The 't' is pronounced as a soft 'th' sound. My students call me Ms. Nitasha. They have, for as long as I can remember. As a school leader, I spend time with lots of children- on the play ground, in classrooms, at assembly. The move from lots of focused time with my class of students to some time with many, many students took a long time to get used to. Now, I over see our Lower Elementary School which means that I get to spend a good deal of time with 3-8 year olds. They are all filled with wonder and curiosity, love coming to school, some learning how to push boundaries, others learning how to take turns or share. There is, literally, never a dull moment. Over the years my name has taken all manner of forms from Ms. Tasha, Ms Mitahsa, Missahsa... its tricky for many children learn to wrap their tongues around my three syllable name with a soft t.
Recently, we had new swings installed in out Early Childhood playground. Lets just say, they have been a HIT! So much so, that some friends have a hard time getting off and giving others a turn. The Kindergarteners agreed that when someone is using the swings, any friends waiting, can count to 20. They felt it was a was a fair way to ensure that everyone got a turn. Its not a perfect science because some are still learning to count but it is working well.
Yesterday, while I was on recess duty, I noticed the usual enthusiastic group of students waiting for their turn on the swings and chanting from 1-20. I was about to walk away from the swings when I noticed a little girl, standing some distance away. She was looking longingly at the swings. I walked up to her and knelt down and recognised her as one of the newest students. She is still learning to communicate in English- although her Japanese is very strong. I pointed to the swings and asked her if she might like to try. She gingerly nodded and took my hand. We walked over to a swing where the queue was only 2 children deep and I counted to 20. Then I counted to 20 again. Before she knew it, it was her turn. Her smile as she pushed her self off the ground was priceless.
This is what was waiting for me in my office this morning.
I think maybe, that little one enjoyed using the swings.
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