Glurch! by Karissa

There is a first time for everything.  Last week I had a classic, textbook style four-year-old blunder happen in our classroom!  It was like a scene from an old Family Circus comic strip.  But, I guarantee it really happened! 

 

Most pre-kindergarten teachers understand the importance of hands-on materials.  In my sensory table last week, I used a substance called Glurch.  It is a mixture of equal parts white glue and liquid starch.  When they mix together they form a strange putty or oozing material that solidifies and partially liquefies.  I use this substance to help practice fine motor skills (squeezing and cutting with blunt scissors) and to provide sensory opportunities.  We spent much of the time talking about how to work with the Glurch, including the expectation that the glurch would stay inside the sensory table. 

 

Then it happened.  As I looked towards the table I saw a large chunk of Glurch resting on the top of Thatcher’s head.  I begged him to not touch it, but sure enough, he wanted to try removing it from his own head!  By the time I reached him the Glurch was deep into his almost chin-length hair.  My assistants and I took turns throughout the rest of our class period, pulling tiny pieces out one by one. 

 

Like every good story, there is a moral.  Thankfully, I have developed a good relationship with Thatcher’s mom.  Since the beginning of the year I have worked to learn about her family, their hopes, dreams and things they struggle with.  I know she trusts and values what we are doing at school.  With this knowledge, I called her and explained our situation.  Thankfully, she was understanding and Thatcher went home to have a good hair washing. 

 

This experience reminded me of the importance of making and maintaining good relationships with families.  It is so worthwhile to involve them and value their input.  With that respect comes mutual trust and an opportunity to support our students from every angl