Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

09 Sep 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

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