Our Favorite Poems

 

 

Toddler's Creed

If I want it, it is mine.
If I give it to you and change my mind later, it is mine.
If I can take it away from you, it is mine.
If it is mine, it will never belong to anyone else, no matter what.
If we are building something together, all the pieces are mine.
If it looks just like mine, it is mine.
(source unknown)

Sometimes you get discouraged
Because I am so small
And always leave my fingerprints
On furniture and walls.

But every day I'm growing -
I'll be grown some day
And all those tiny handprints
Will surely fade away.

So here's a little handprint
Just so you can recall
Exactly how my fingers looked
When I was very small.

I miss you when we're not together
I'm growing up so fast
See how big I've gotten
Since you saw me last?
As I grow, I'll change a lot,
The years will fly right by.
You'll wonder how I grew so quick
When and where and why?
So look upon this handprint
That's hanging on your wall.
And memories will come back of me,
When I was very small.
"Walk a Little slower, Daddy." said a little child so small.
I'm following in your footsteps and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast, sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower Daddy, for you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up, You're what I want to be.
Then I will have a little child who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right, and know that I was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy, for I must follow you!!

Just Playing
Written by Anita Wadley 
When I'm building in the block room, 

Please don't say I'm "Just playing." 

For, you see, I'm learning as I play,
 
About balance, I may be an architect someday.
 
When I'm getting all dressed up,
 
Setting the table, caring for the babies, 

Don't get the idea I'm "Just Playing."
 
I may be a mother or a father someday.
 


When you see me up to my elbows in paint,
 
Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay, 

Please don't let me hear you say, "He is Just Playing." 

For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
 
I just might be a teacher someday. 



When you see me engrossed in a puzzle 

or some "playing" at my school,

Please don't feel the time is wasted in "play." 

For you see, I'm learning as I play. 

I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate. 

I may be in business someday. 



When you see me cooking or tasting foods, 

Please don't think that because I enjoy it, it is "Just Play." 

I'm learning to follow directions and see the differences. 

I may be a cook someday. 



When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body, 

Please don't say I'm "Just Playing." 

For, you see, I'm learning as I play.

I'm learning how my body works. 

I may be a doctor, nurse, or athlete someday. 



When you ask me what I've done at school today, 

And I say, "I just played." Please don't misunderstand me. 

For, you see, I'm learning as I play. 

I'm learning to enjoy and be successful in my work. 

I'm preparing for tomorrow. 



Today, I am a child and my work is play. 



Forever In My Heart 

Although I'm not their mother
 
I care for them each day.

I cuddle, sing and read to them
 
and watch them as they play.
 
I see each new accomplishment,

I help them grow and learn.

I understand their language.
 
I listen with concern.



They come to me for comfort,

and I kiss away their tears.

They proudly show their work to me, 

I give the loudest cheers!



No, I am not their mother,

But my role is just as strong. 

I nurture them and keep them safe,

though maybe not for long. 



I know someday the time may come

when I will have to part, 

but I know each child I cared for

is forever in my heart! 


Excuse This House
Some house try to hide the fact that children shelter there.
Ours boasts of it quite openly,
The signs are everywhere...
For smears are on the windows
Little smudges on the doors;
I should apologize, I guess for toys strewn on the floor.
 
But I sat down with the children
And we played and laughed and read;
And if the doorbell doesn't shine,
Their eyes will shine instead.
 
For when at times I'm forced to choose
The one job or the other...
I want to have a tidy house,
But first I'll be a mother.
-author unknown