Joy Before You: Who, What, Why

Welcome!  Thanks for coming here to meet me and learn about Joy Before You.

This is the part where I tell you my story so you have some basis for continuing to read what I write.

Joy Before You is the progression of seven years of in-the-classroom teaching experience.  I began teaching during my undergraduate years at Colorado State University, where I studied Human Development and Family Studies.  I taught in the Early Childhood Center laboratory school on campus, as well as with America Reads and Counts at Putnam Elementary.  I loved being in the classroom to see and facilitate the joy that is exploration and discovery.

My professional teaching experience began at School for Little People in Texas, where the children and staff taught me about the real power of play in learning.  These were important years in the development of my educational philosophy, and I am forever thankful for the guidance and love of the teachers at School for Little People.  Meaningful, engaging, in-the-hand-to-be in-the-brain was the basis of my training and the philosophy with which I now write.  Teaching preschool inspired me to pursue a teaching certificate, with which I moved on to a year of teaching kindergarten at Tower Elementary.

The brilliance of the young children entrusted to me has been inspiring.  When nurtured with faith, hope, and love in a play-based, child-centered, supportive environment their learning thrives!

I am so grateful to be a part of this then and now.  For now I choose to write rather than teach in a classroom because my husband and I are a mobile military family.  I cannot be a constant in a student's life at this time, but I am thrilled to make Joy Before You a presence in yours. The learning ideas here are designed for children ages 3-5, or those within that developmental capacity.  Most of them -at this point in time- are a bit too advanced for the two or younger child, but all of them can be modified for this level.  My writing here is currently a work in progress, and happens as time allows when inspiration strikes.

Joy Before You, by its own philosophy is infused with faith in God.  My trust and hope in God brings me life and frames my worldview.  It is my everything.  I long to come to God like a little child, and it is with this posture that I aim to present Joy Before You.  All glory and credit belongs to Him.

The premise of my writing here is that I know well the challenges inherent in spending time with young children, and especially with trying to accomplish meaningful learning during that time.  I have had 9 two-year-olds and 20 five-year-olds in my care for seven hours a day (not at once for heaven's sake...in different years of teaching)!  Believe me when I tell you I know what it's like.  There were many moments when a quick bit of inspiration or encouragement was what I needed to complete the day well.  I hope this little corner of the web will offer that inspiration and encouragement to you.

The name Joy Before You is derived from Hebrews 12: 2-3:
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." 

My interpretation:
We are to fix our eyes on Him, seek to be like Jesus.  He endured challenges on earth knowing he would find JOY on the other side of them, the side at the right hand of God.  There is joy before you every day.  Remember this so you will be strong and of a full heart.

Not every moment will seem beautiful.  We endure.  We trust God.  We seek God.  Joy will be found.

This blog is new and will surely be in transition for a time.  Please check back often to see its new developments.  Also, if ever you find my words astray, please contact me so together we can make it right.

For questions, suggestions, and comments, please contact me at joybeforeyou@gmail.com.  I welcome your feedback.

I am so glad to have you here.  Thanks for stopping by!

Brooke Keilen
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