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Faculty Feature: Matilde “Tilly” Taborda-Almaguer
Meet Tynaya Quickley, teacher of Bryn Mawr’s inaugural pre-kindergarten class. Tynaya comes to Bryn Mawr this year after serving as Director of Early Childhood Education at Roland Park Country School, and was previously a kindergarten and preschool classroom teacher for six years.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the down time that I have with the girls — the time where we aren't necessarily in the middle of an activity or learning about something specific, but the time when we just get to sit, talk and learn more about each other. This usually happens during snack time. Their personalities just shine here because there isn't a sense of "I have to answer this question," or "I have to do this a certain way". They feel more free to relax and just chat.
What does a typical day in pre-k look like?
We do a lot! We start the day with our Morning Meeting, which leads directly into music or choice time. As long as the weather cooperates, we usually have recess and snack outdoors. Then we go back in for “Center Time” — this is where the girls really get a good chunk of their day to play (and with play, we know that's where the learning occurs!). There are different topics and themes that are explored during that part of our day. Then we have another special class, which could be P.E., world language, or outdoor education. We then have lunch and about three days of the week, the girls do yoga. After resting, we have our closing circle and wrap up our day.
What is one thing you want every girl who leaves your class to know?
That they are strong, kind, it is okay to make mistakes, and learning is and should be fun.
Kids say the darndest things, what’s one funny thing you’ve heard from a student?
One student said to me, "I can't wait to get home and lay down because my back is killing me!" as she put her hand on her hip and leaned back a bit .
What drew you to early childhood education?
Since a young age, I've always loved children. I didn't always know I wanted to be an educator, but I knew I wanted to work with kids. Once I got in the classroom for the first time as an intern, I knew this was it. Understanding how to help children grow in more ways than just academics and being able to play many roles at once may sound tiring, but as much as a cliche as this might be, it is beyond rewarding.
