Why I shouldn't work at preschool

by Melissa Summers (Subscribe to Melissa Summers's posts) Mar 22nd 2006 1:31PM

Today I finally got my chance to be the 'Parent Helper' at my son's preschool class. One day a week the class does 'centers' to prepare for the more academic kindergarten next year and the teachers need an extra set of hands.

I love my kids, but even with their genetic makeup being 50% my own I am still overwhelmed by their talking. I worried I'd be similarly overwhelmed in the classroom around children whose genetic make up was 0% mine. Instead I got a simple center involving hammers and crushing up crayons into small pieces and things were going better than I imagined.

We put the crayon pieces into muffin tins and I melted them in an oven, to make rainbow disc shaped crayons. Simple enough project and I managed to accomplish it all without spilling crayon wax everywhere.

It all went well that is until we had to remove the crayons from the muffin tins. I used a sharp knife and managed to ram the knife right through the muffin tin and into my leg. Yes, I stabbed myself in the leg at my son's preschool class. I rule.

Comments (21)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Angelica 3-22-2006 @ 1:46PM

OMG! Well, I hope you are ok. And I am sure you are looking back and laughing at the whole experience...

Gauze and a lollipop anyone?

momtoboloo 3-22-2006 @ 1:55PM

At least you can participate in the crafts. My fine motor skills are at the level of a 2 year old.

The last time I volunteered in my son's class, I couldn't take the tops off the glue sticks and had googly eyes glued to half of my sleeve. I guess I should be proud I didn't draw blood . . .

Ginny 3-22-2006 @ 2:10PM

Yes, you rule! At least you voluteered to help. Maybe it's my turn to volunteer at MY children's preschool. Hopefully they won't let me play with sharp objects. lol

Kate 3-22-2006 @ 2:29PM

Ouch! That totally sounds like something I would do. Arts & crafts have never been my strong points.

momma2mingbu 3-22-2006 @ 2:33PM

ouch!!!

We've always used the cupcake liners in the muffin tin when we make those crayons. My kids refer to them as "Reeses cup crayons" because that's what they look like when you peel the cupcake liner off.

Nancy Toby 3-22-2006 @ 2:39PM

Have you considered suing the school for letting dangerous and unpredictable adults near the children?

Ginny 3-22-2006 @ 2:46PM

Nancy - TOO funny!!!

Jenny 3-22-2006 @ 2:59PM

Now I dont feel as bad about last Thanksgiving, when I slashed my hand with a dinner knife while trying to get pie out of the pan. Hope you did no permanent damage.

Megan 3-22-2006 @ 3:04PM

Too funny! Was there blood? I am sure the children involved will be traumatized for life. No candle-makers there.

christy 3-22-2006 @ 3:04PM

It's not really a good craft project until somebody bleeds.

MelissaS 3-22-2006 @ 3:13PM

The school doesn't mind if you stab yourself.

Just don't TAKE ANY PICTURES OF ANYONE AND PUT THEM ON THE INTERNET! God knows what could happen then!

thordora 3-22-2006 @ 3:47PM

There's my excuse for when my kids are in school "I'm a moron who will hurt myself" Cause I would. Hell, I stabbed myself stirring frozen juice with a knife once, and walked into plate glass, so anything is possible.

Just don't place any bets with the students, and you'll be fine.

Stephanie 3-22-2006 @ 4:22PM

Too funny! You know, I think it's very good for kids to see adults having "oops" moments. It seems like it would make them feel better when they drop something or make a mistake themselves if they saw mommy or daddy do it first. My Mom has always been a bit clumsy (like myself) and taught us to say cheerfully "accidents happen, let's clean it up together".

Ms Sisyphus 3-22-2006 @ 5:53PM

I think we're all missing the big question here: Did you say any naughty words during the stabbing?

mommy2boys 3-22-2006 @ 6:53PM

ouch...but funny. ;) and yes, were there any naughty words involved? cause i know i'd have a hard time keeping them in. :)

ann adams 3-22-2006 @ 10:38PM

I'm dangerous with a knife and hopeless with arts and crafts. I'm glad to contribute the materials but please don't ask me to work with them.

Is it possible to be sympathetic while laughing hysterically? If so, you have my sympathy. I have been there.

Summer 3-23-2006 @ 1:21AM

Hillarious comments....I am dying to know, bad words??? Yes tell me you screamed out the SSSHHHHIIIAAAOOOOOT!!!

Ms Sisyphus 3-23-2006 @ 8:13AM

See, I'd have hollered "FUUUUUUUUzzzzzbutt!"

MelissaS 3-23-2006 @ 8:27AM

Well, since I"m already the heathen who endangers small children with and camera and Flickr, I thought it wise not to swear on top of that.

Ms Sisyphus 3-23-2006 @ 11:44AM

A wise strategy and excellent self control there. I'm not sure I could've managed it.

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