Nestled between the music hallway and a few FCS classrooms, room 196 is a haven of bright colors and tiny chairs. It’s a classroom only for NASH seniors–and up to 30 NA preschoolers, still too young for kindergarten. The course Preschool Practicum, one of NASH’s unique classroom opportunities, offers students in their last year at NASH the chance to connect with the district’s youngest residents, preparing preschoolers for kindergarten and seniors for life after graduation.
Between the morning and afternoon classes, seniors get the chance to connect with up to 30 different preschoolers from ages 3-5. Many of the children are attending school for the very first time, but both the seniors and the preschoolers grow from their time together.
“It was interesting seeing how the kids grew,” said Kaily Herm, a senior in the morning preschool class during the first semester. “We had kids who wouldn’t participate in the beginning, and by the end they were excited to participate–it really shows their growth.”
Mrs. Loeffert, the teacher who has taught Preschool Practicum for 15 years of the program’s 54-year history, notices the progress, too.
“I love seeing the kids grow,” Loeffert said. “Preschoolers who are crying and scared to talk to anyone on the first day of school can be great leaders who love school by the end of the year. There are also students who do not know any of their letters who show such excitement as they learn to read.”
Growth in room 196 isn’t just academic. Friendships–among preschoolers and seniors alike–are essential to the course’s success.
“I love seeing the seniors interact with the preschoolers, and I witness the strong relationships that are developed,” Loeffert stated. “Some seniors have even gone on to be future nannies for the preschoolers.”
“I also have really enjoyed seeing the preschoolers develop friendships with each other throughout the semester,” Rachel Sweeney, a senior in the afternoon preschool class, explained.
“My favorite part of the course is getting to know each kid individually and coming to understand their separate personalities,” said Sarah Petrichevich, a senior in the a.m. class.
While establishing foundational skills such as an understanding of numbers and memorizing the alphabet are important to the preschool classroom, building an emotional preparation for kindergarten and beyond is just as essential, and practicum aims to make school less intimidating for the youngest preschool students by fostering one-on-one connections with the senior students.
“I love seeing the preschoolers come in the building smiling and happy, ” Loeffert said. “I hope that we have built a strong foundation for them to look forward to coming to school along with the skills necessary to succeed.”
As an early love for learning is taught to the children in room 196, seniors learn skills for their future beyond high school, whether they aspire to a certain career or plan to have a family of their own one day.
“I took Preschool because I have always wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember and it seemed like a great opportunity to get experience,” Sweeney said.
“I wanted a class where I got to really connect with children and use my knowledge in the future when I have kids,” Petrichevich added.
For Loeffert, seeing the seniors thrive alongside her enthusiastic preschoolers is uniquely satisfying.
“I am hoping that every senior has an increased understanding of how to care for children whether they are going to be parents, aunts/uncles, caregivers, or teachers themselves, ” she said. “I am hoping they are now aware that it is important to gain an understanding of every child’s unique needs.”
From those stepping through the doors of NASH for their very first day of school to those who will soon leave those doors for the very last time, Preschool Practicum has something to offer for everyone.
“If you enjoy working with children and strive to understand their needs, you are going to enjoy taking this hands-on course,” Loeffert said. “The preschoolers really have a way of brightening your day, and being in this classroom can be a great way to learn real life skills that may also be a much-needed break from the rigor of other classes.”
