Grumpy the Gator

In Grumpy the Gator, a group of children playing encounter a grumpy alligator. The story teaches children to always keep a safe distance from animals in the wild, and to find an adult if they see an alligator.

Grumpy the Gator

Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

Library Time with Eden’s Class

I received an email from our son Mike. “Hey, Mom. Here’s a sign-up sheet if you are interested in helping with the school library.” My answer was “Yes, I’ll fill out the form right now.” As a former substitute teacher and library aide, I was eager and wanted to help with granddaughter Eden’s class. I’ll sign up for grandson Rowan’s library time, too. The excitement was building as I prepared for library time with Eden’s class.

The online form was simple. Basic information. After I completed the form, another part of registering to help at the school was required. I’m thankful for the extra attention that the school requires for volunteers. A background check was completed. Two long videos with questions to answer were part of the requirement. The school is dedicated to the well-being of the children. 

All tests were completed and passed. I am now a registered volunteer.

On the day I was scheduled to help in the library, Bop(Alan) drove me to the school. He waited in the parking area while I was in the building. The library class was for forty minutes. I entered the office and told the lady at the desk my name and why I was there. She gave me a special lanyard to show I was a guest, and then, another sweet woman introduced herself and said she would take me to the library. Everyone was friendly and thanked me for being there to read to the children.

When we arrived at the library room, the woman asked, “What are you planning to do?” 

I answered, “I’ll help with whatever the librarian needs.”

I didn’t know that there wasn’t a librarian. The volunteers help with checking out books, making crafts, and reading. I quickly looked around and said that I would read some books. I had planned to read to the young ones but thought there might be an activity already waiting. The Pre-K class doesn’t check out books yet.

Looking at the shelves and displays, I found several cute stories. I sat in a little chair and read the books to myself while I waited for Eden’s class. 

In a few minutes, I heard giggles and footsteps as the children came upstairs to the library. They entered the room quietly. Eden looked at me and grinned. She was very proper. She didn’t run to get a snuggle. She was following the directions from the teacher. 

Each child found a spot on the circular rug and sat down. I introduced myself and told them that I was happy to see everyone.

“Hello, I’m Mrs. Henderson.”

Hands began raising. “You’re Eden’s grandma.” “You’re Eden’s Mimi.”

Eden grinned and raised her hand.

I said, “Yes, Eden?”

“Mimi, you’re my grandmother.”

“Yes, I am your grandmother.”

After the introductions of each child and their name, the room quieted, and I began to read.

I love to change my voice while reading. Each character has a different tone to fit. The expressions on the faces of the children were delightful. They listened and when one book was finished, they found another one for me to read aloud.

Between stories, I suggested that we stand and do a little stretching. The class of ten kids reached to the sky, and then, found their knees, elbows, eyes, and shoulders. We laughed as we exercised in the library. 

A bell rang and library time was over. The teacher called everyone to line up to go back to class. Shouts of “Thank you Mrs.Henderson.” “ Thank you Mimi.” “ Thank you Eden’s grandma.” were exclaimed as they walked back to their classroom.

I listened as the children left. I began putting away books. I laughed out loud when I heard the comments.

“That was fun. I want her to come again.”

“Eden, I like your Mimi.”

And then, one boy stated, “That was too long.” I fell over laughing when I heard his comment. 

Volunteering is a precious gift to give to your children, grandchildren, and any child. Schools need volunteers. 

Next time, I will take copies of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”.

Have you volunteered at a school? I always learn lessons from precious children.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4 NIV)

Blessings,

Melissa Henderson aka Mimi

22 Comments
  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 14:23h, 09 September Reply

    What fun! Thanks for sharing, Melissa

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:25h, 09 September Reply

      Thank you Diana. Yes, I love reading to the young ones. They bring joy and laughter to the world. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 15:24h, 09 September Reply

    I always love to read your posts, especially about grandchildren. They are so refreshing and necessary in a difficult world in which we live. I can’t believe Eden is old enough to go to school. I remember when you said she was born.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:32h, 09 September Reply

      Thank you June. Eden and Rowan bring much joy to our lives. Eden is excited because she goes to Rowan’s “big school” now. 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Bettie G
    Posted at 20:54h, 09 September Reply

    I love that you were able to do this for your grandchildren! What a special gift. I’m sure that even the teachers were blessed by your kindness and caring!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:17h, 09 September Reply

      Thank you so much. I always enjoy being with the young ones. I’m a kid at heart. 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Gail Johnson
    Posted at 20:56h, 09 September Reply

    I loved library time with my kids. Glad you all enjoyed your visit!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:18h, 09 September Reply

      Yes, I enjoyed the visit and look forward to going to visit the school again. 🙂 Library time is special. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Janet from FL
    Posted at 23:35h, 09 September Reply

    What a great way to volunteer at school!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:22h, 10 September Reply

      Hello Janet. Yes, I enjoy volunteering. I learn many things from the young ones. 🙂 Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Dianne Miley
    Posted at 14:39h, 10 September Reply

    Precious!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 20:20h, 10 September Reply

      Thank you Dianne. We love grandkids, don’t we? 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 20:20h, 10 September Reply

    No librarian? Oh my, you had to scramble for sure. I’m glad you found just the right books to read to that adorable class. And Eden was so proud to have you read! What a joy the children are, at all ages. Enjoy your new job as a library volunteer. Blessings on your week, dear Mimi. xo

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 20:21h, 10 September Reply

      I love helping with the school programs. I’m always amazed at the things I learn from the young kids. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 00:25h, 11 September Reply

    I loved this article, Melissa, I mean Mimi. I imagined the day of the library class along with you as I read. Comments from kids were so much fun. Glad they enjoyed Eden’s Mimi and want you to come back.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:22h, 11 September Reply

      Thank you Karen. You are a wonderful encourager. I have always loved sharing time with the young ones. I’m the neighborhood “Mimi”, too. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 19:57h, 11 September Reply

    What a fun opportunity! I love the children’s comments.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 20:55h, 11 September Reply

      Yes, a fun opportunity. I always leave with smiles and funny stories. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Karen Ruhl
    Posted at 14:22h, 13 September Reply

    Such a wonderful day for the kids – and for you!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:59h, 14 September Reply

      Sharing time with the young ones brings joy. They teach me great lessons. 🙂 Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • melissamclaughlin55
    Posted at 18:53h, 13 September Reply

    Karen, what a precious experience to share with your granddaughter and her class! You are so blessed to be able to volunteer at your grandkids’ library! I know they will love you reading to them! What memories. God bless!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:59h, 14 September Reply

      Melissa, thank you. I’m blessed to be able to share time with the grandkids. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

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