Never A Dull Moment!

In my last visit to Step By Step, I had the honor and privilege of being in the six-year-old and up room. Although I normally assist in the 3-4 year old room, they had an abundance of volunteers that day (which is a great problem for Step By Step to have), leading me to the 6-year-old and up room. What a difference a few years can make! These kids could eat by themselves, use the bathroom by themselves, and were able to express what they want or need much more clearly than the 3-4 year olds. 
Rather than the playground, toys, and play-kitchen equipment featured in the 3-4 year old room, the "big kid" room had tables for fun arts and crafts, bean bags, a piano, and a whiteboard that all the kids loved. Every child got to participate in a fun arts and craft activity, which involved them drawing what they could do to help their mom this week. Some of the things that the kids picked included cleaning their room, getting dressed by themselves, and doing their homework! It was so awesome to see young kids want to help their hard-working moms. My favorite part of the night was when the kids' mothers would come to get them, and the children were so excited to show them their drawings and how they wanted to help. It was beautiful to see; these kids are truly incredible!

The 6-year-old and up room at Step By Step

Throughout the night, the kids did more than just adorable arts and crafts. One girl had been practicing piano for a while, so when she discovered the piano in the room, she had to play! She was only 8, but she played songs like "Mary Had A Little Lamb" with ease. Her practice had paid off, and she was so proud to show everyone. Unfortunately, the piano-playing had to be cute short because, as you can imagine, 10 kids trying to play a piano can get a little chaotic. 

There were a few kids who had homework, so a few volunteers were able to sit down with them and help them with it. I wish I could have helped, but fourth-grade fractions are not my forté.
Finally, there was a huge whiteboard in the room that the kids used to color, draw, and play hangman. 

Another Step By Step volunteer from CIS-112 drawing on the whiteboard
with six-year-old Karen, the comedian of the night.

This last Thursday was yet another well-spent at Step By Step. I always thoroughly enjoy my time there, getting to meet and entertain these awesome kids for even a few hours is always the highlight of my week. I can't believe there's only one more week!

Jennifer Mansfield