Cuppa
the Day - I have another weeklong internship to complete if I want to
be a school Principal someday, so I’m taking the easy way out: a Venti
(have I mentioned it’s in an elementary building?) skinny vanilla
latte. Opting out of the sugar-free syrup (no, seriously - there are first graders here) I got a great buzz to start my day. It was necessary to deal with my with the Lilliputians.
It’s
only Tuesday and I’m still in awe of the difference between elementary
and middle school atmospheres. The program I’m in requires that I do
this and they set it up for us. This time, however, I was hoping to go
to a high school, but I know I’ll get a chance. Back in October was the
first time I did this (which you can read about here)
and loved it so I’m certain this experience will be similar.
Demographically, it’s similar, but there are a few things I knew to
look out for this time:
the Day - I have another weeklong internship to complete if I want to
be a school Principal someday, so I’m taking the easy way out: a Venti
(have I mentioned it’s in an elementary building?) skinny vanilla
latte. Opting out of the sugar-free syrup (no, seriously - there are first graders here) I got a great buzz to start my day. It was necessary to deal with my with the Lilliputians.
It’s
only Tuesday and I’m still in awe of the difference between elementary
and middle school atmospheres. The program I’m in requires that I do
this and they set it up for us. This time, however, I was hoping to go
to a high school, but I know I’ll get a chance. Back in October was the
first time I did this (which you can read about here)
and loved it so I’m certain this experience will be similar.
Demographically, it’s similar, but there are a few things I knew to
look out for this time:
Kindergarteners are sweet and cherubic and will wave to anyone who
comes into the classroom. The wave is tiny and near their cheeks and if
your heart doesn’t melt from experiencing this, then you are the
world’s only living heart donor who is still walking around because it’s precious.
Playground duty is best if you carry a whistle or can whistle loudly
with your fingers. Also, kids will hug new, friendly faces and then ask
sweetly, "Will you push me on the swing?" which you will do until they realize you’re just the new sucker on duty.
Students that come up to my hip are at the perfect height to get my
attention by reaching their arms up to pat me to get their attention. I
am at the perfect height for them to pat my breasts. This happens just
once and then you stand with your arms folded in front of you. They
don’t seem to notice that they’ve just violated your space, so deal
with it.
Any child that asks if they can read to you when you are walking down the hallway is to be accomodated. Every child. Every time.
They still use Ranger Rick magazines in the elementary classrooms. Cool.
The older children in the building (grades 4 & 5) will simply ask
if you’re somebody’s momma if they think you look like that student.
Today I was Ashley’s and Carter’s and Felicia’s momma.
Kindergarten teachers are adorable. It’s just not fair. They’re petite and perky and sweet. I hate them.
Kids don’t give a damn what No Child Left Behind says. They just want a
hug, a good meal at lunchtime, some nurturing, and to be challenged. They might also want a cookie and think you have them magically hidden in your pockets.
To think that anything is beyond their grasp is poor judgment and underestimates them greatly.
Always wear clothes with pockets. This is crucial.
Julius, The Baby of the World is a great after-recess book to read to calm kids down. I may have taken a nap during the reading. I’m not sure.
If Ronald McDonald visits the school to talk to students about making
good choices, he might also hit on you and think you somehow find him
attractive in his clown makeup and large red shoes. Let him down gently
so he can be happy in front of the kids.
April 25, 2006 @ 10:14 pm | Filed under Education | Permalink |
