Last Friday I had a very cool surprise happen to me. I was in the process of dropping off my daughter at her preschool. After I brought her to school I was going to do my usual weekly grocery shopping. I love that time because both of my kids are in school and I can breeze through the store in under an hour. While I was planning out our weekly meals in my head my daughter’s principal opened up the door.

I thought she was a bit early since they always open up at nine sharp. Still I wasn’t going to complain. Dropping her off early meant I could get my shopping done faster. All the grocery thoughts raced out of my head when I saw a concerned look on the principal’s face. She asked me if I was busy today. She wanted to see if I could help out with my daughter’s class since her teacher was out sick. At first I was a bit nervous. I was a bit hesitant to say yes, but then I immediately got the courage to say, “Sure, I would love to.”

Jordy’s principal thanked me repeatedly as we went to my daughter’s classroom. I also saw another thankful face as the teacher’s assistant realized she was going to get some help that day. I asked for a quick breakdown of what I can help her with since there was about five minutes left until the rest of the students would be coming into the classroom.jordy

I got the rundown of the lesson plan and activities for the day as Jordan’s classmates were marching in. Some of the kids knew me since they were Jordan’s friends and I would be on those playdates outside of school. Other kids looked up at me with either confusion or a look of panic. There are no male teachers at that preschool so I am guessing it was a bit for some of the kids to take in. After a while of being in the classroom some of the students warmed up to me.

I was glad I was asked to help out for many reasons. One was that I would be able to see a day in the life of what Jordan did at school. The best parts of the day consisted of Jordan looking up during the day and smiling at me. That would happen if she answered a question right or just because I was in her classroom. When we went outside for a walk she held my hand for the entire time. She would run up and hug me periodically through the day. She told me over and over that this was one of her favorite days at school. Usually her favorite part of school is snack time, but it looks like I trumped that time as well.

If you ever get a chance to help out at your child’s school I strongly suggest that you take that opportunity. Not only did I enjoy helping out her school, but I felt that is was a moment that Jordy and I will both cherish for a while. As I said good night to her that day she told me that she was very happy that I was able to help out at her school. She said that I made her day. I told her that it made my day too.

On a side note, I want to give a shout out to all the teachers out there. No matter what class you teach you are trying to help mold and strengthen a child’s mind. The patience you display day in and day out is remarkable. I know that teachers might feel that they have a thankless job, but for me I am truly grateful for your hard work.