Mrs. Kendrick

I’m slightly surprised and amused to find that many of the people on my influential list are teachers. Most of these have been teachers of mine through my growing years, but one is my son’s Kindergarten teacher. Having a child enter the education system gave me a whole new appreciation for the role of a teacher in a child’s life.
Joshua was late for his first day of Kindergarten, so I sent him in ahead at a run. I followed, just to make sure he had gotten to the right classroom, and when I peeked into the room I saw Joshua holding Mrs. Kendrick’s hand and engaging her in conversation. I loved that my son was so independent and friendly, and I loved that his teacher was so friendly and attentive.
Mrs. Kendrick is built like a pixie – slender, graceful, with distinguished features and beautiful long chestnut hair. She can hardly keep up with her own enthusiasm, and keeps her kindergartener’s busy first bell to last. Joshua was often late coming out of class because they just had to finish up this or that.
I helped in the classroom for a couple hours a week helping with centers. I loved being a pseudo teacher to the little tykes. Mrs. Kendrick always had stimulating projects for us to do with the kids to help them understand concepts. Once we played with water and dyes, pouring them together to make new colors. Once we went on a scavenger hunt for the gingerbread man all through the school, so the kids could practice their reading and reasoning skills.
I loved seeing a woman with such enthusiasm and love be in charge of my child. Passion can accomplish so much.