post Christmas happiness

So, the last time we spoke I believe my script for the school play was just going out to teachers. Much has happened since then! The teachers flipped because the songs I had assigned to them (classic Christmas songs with the words re-written) were way too hard. Apparently. I was frustrated, but arranged to put up a sign-up sheet for the teachers so that they could have me into their classes to teach their class the songs. Though time consuming, this worked to my advantage as almost every teacher got to see me "in action", as they say, teaching in their class. And best of all (yes, I'm letting this all go to my head), they were all so thankful that I came in and claimed that they certainly couldn't have done this without me... Although not entirely true, these comments did make me feel good :)

In the meantime, the choir was working on their songs, and things were going well with that. A few kids were dropping out, but I was still left with about 30 kids in the choir.

So the last rehearsal day came - the day before the concert. We had rehearsed many times before without a hitch. The only difference this time was that the school would be watching (rather than pulling classes from their rooms for their performances). The choir sang their first song well, and then everything exploded. Their second song was a disaster! Needless to say I was so embarrassed in front of the teachers, and called for an emergency choir practice the next morning before our afternoon performance. I was terrified! What would I possibly do if they messed up the song?!? In front of all those people!

After a good lecture during our impromptu practice the two performances went perfectly. I nearly broke down into tears after the second song, I was so relieved that they hadn't botched it. I was also happy when the principal thanked me for everything I had done, and I even got flowers! It was a fantastic experience.

I certainly learned a lot through this experience. Working with kids comes pretty naturally, but working with other teachers isn't always easy. When I assume something is going to be simple and it turns out to be impossible from another persons' perspective, I've really got to put my flexibility into action...

Anyways, after all that was done, I was anticipating a slow few weeks to start off the new year. Then, yesterday, I got a call from the very school where I had devoted my pre-Christmas months, asking if I wanted to come in for the rest of the week!! I was beyond thrilled.

So today I started a 4 day stint in their grade 6 class. I started the morning with a note on the board explaining that I was going to be here for the week, since Mr. Irons had pneumonia. One trouble making student didn't believe me.

"Mr. Irons doesn't have pneumonia!"

"Yes, he does"

"No he doesn't! He's not going to be away for the week! He's coming back tomorrow. He's just at something for his daughter - he told me yesterday".

"No, he has pneumonia"

"You're lying!"

"Why would I lie about this?"

"Because, maybe you're one of those joker teachers, who likes to play jokes on us. Mean ones"

"No, I am not one of those joker teachers. This is not a mean joke. It's true".

Again I ask, where do kids come up with this stuff? Ridiculous.

It's so good to be back!