Many OHS students define the 600 building as the place where they sit through long history and math classes, counting down the minutes until the next bell rings. However, tucked away inside that same building are little humans who also call OHS their place of learning. While pre-school age children work on crafts, build with blocks, and explore the world around them, high school students in the Early Childhood Education program do the same thing — just in a different way.
The preschool here at OHS is distinct from what some would imagine as a stereotypical preschool setting. It is more than just a classroom; it is a place where young children come to learn and play, and where high schoolers come to gain experience with them.
“Once [the high school students] get to year two of the program, they lesson plan and teach over in the preschool,” said Sandy Budde, Early Childhood Education teacher.
Under Mrs. Budde’s guidance, high school students have the opportunity to put what they have learned about child development into action.
“The littles love the high schoolers,” Budde said. “Some of them might not even have older siblings.”
Over 10 years ago, Budde was the preschool director here at OHS, and some of the connections she has formed with her littles have lasted for years.
“I have students now that are in my class who were in my preschool… It’s a special moment when my students are excited to go over and teach, and the littles are excited to have them… they’re the little eagles, and my students are the big eagles,” said Budde.
Those “big eagles” proudly stand alongside the kids as they grow throughout the year, providing them valuable experience.The Early Childhood Education program even helps students discover their career paths.
“I have really felt drawn to working with kids, and I know that’s what I want to do with my life,” said Juliana Bastuba, senior.
The preschool teaches both preschoolers and high schoolers valuable lessons that can not be learned anywhere else on campus.
“I get to see how the kids act in different environments and their mannerisms and how they interact with each other… It helps prepare me because I get to see what level they’re supposed to be at when they are that age,” Bastuba said.
The preschool environment is unlike any other class at OHS, and the kids respond to it in their own unique ways.
“They really like doing activities, and they respond well to music, movement, and dancing. My favorite thing is seeing them enjoy activities that I’ve worked so hard to prepare,” Bastuba said.
The energy of the children is contagious, and they never fail to put a smile on the faces of those they interact with.
“All of the kids are really cute. They love to get involved, and seeing what they make and how proud they are of themselves is really fun,” said Maddie Coleman, senior.
The high school students in the program are responsible for planning lessons that cover weekly themes and skills.
“Each week there’s a set of things you’re supposed to teach — like what letter, what color, what subject — and then it’s up to you to do the rest,” said Coleman.
The preschool classroom is full of exploration, where the wild imagination of children comes to life.
“They still like school. They want to explore and look at all the different things, so it really is a lot of fun… Even right now, something as simple as taking a canvas and throwing it over the tables — we make a tent, and they’re down there camping,” said Connie Fox, three-year-old teacher.
Preschoolers are endless sources of joy, and their energy is so infectious that it translates to everyone around them.
“I know I’m doing a good job because I get hugs. That’s probably my favorite thing,” said Fox.
Although these kids may not remember exactly what they learned in OHS’ preschool, they will always remember the love that was poured into them.
“For three-year-olds, it’s more socializing, learning how to sit in a circle, and listening. They get a lot of playtime, and we go outside. It’s less focused on academics,” Fox said.
