Have you ever noticed that some people just naturally spread sunshine and that others gravitate in their direction? Well this holds true in classrooms, too, and I have just such a child in mind. Since it's close to the end of the year, I'm doing a survey with my classes just to see what the children like and don't like about guidance class. This will help me plan for next year. One of the 8 statements says, "Miss Mimi is nice," and the students are supposed to show me thumbs up or thumbs down, as they are instructed to do for all the survey items. Of course I tell the students it's okay to be honest and that I won't say a word, but simply count the responses. After reading this statement the other day, I noticed a chubby-cheeked kindergartner rolling with laughter. "What's so funny?" I asked. Continuing to laugh, the little boy said, "That's silly. EVERYBODY knows Miss Mimi's nice!" Thanking him, I moved on to other questions, which had to do with all the different types of activities and materials I use in class. When the survey was over, I said, "Thanks for doing that. I know it was boring, but we only have to do it once a year, and it'll help make first grade guidance class better next year." Grinning broadly, my same jolly friend said, "It wasn't boring, Miss Mimi, it was FUN!" Then others followed his lead, saying, "Yeah, it was FUN!" Children like this are just ringleaders of positivity, if that's even a word, and I SO appreciate them! We adults can learn a lesson from this little man's attitude, as people of all ages in all settings can benefit from being around a human sunbeam!
I'm enjoying getting to know a new first grade girl who has big blue eyes and an infectious personality. While talking with her yesterday, I asked what she liked to do with her mother. She responded that they watch tv and play games and that sometimes her mom takes her to the park because "you KNOW mamas don't like kids with too much energy!" Yep, I understand, Mama, and my teacher friends feel the same way when they have a run of "indoor recess" days. Bring on the sunshine!
Today I was administering a questionnaire of school problems to a handsome blond first grader. He was supposed to listen to each sentence and then tell me whether the problem was big, middle-sized, or small in his life. Things were going well, and I got the feeling that the child was being honest about his responses. When we got to the problem of daydreaming during work time, I had to repeat the question, as the mischievous little boy was staring into space. "I daydream too much in class," I read for the second time. Jerking his head as if to wake himself up, the child grinned and said, "Oh...sorry. I was thinking about a marshmallow marrying a monkey!" At this point, I wasn't sure whether the child was really daydreaming during a daydreaming question or just pulling my leg with his precocious sense of humor, so I laughingly asked him about it. "No, really!" he said. "I was thinking about a marshmallow marrying a monkey." And then he tried to convince me that daydreaming was not a problem for him! Okay, either he was teasing me AGAIN, or daydreaming is INDEED an issue for him. He simply can't have it both ways! Either way, this little boy has a zany personality and is very fun to talk with!
As people my age know, growing older has both pros and cons. Physically, the issues are mostly cons! I believe in taking good care of myself and wearing a smile and making the best of what God gave me to work with, but still, aging can be a bit depressing! Well, three little second grade girls helped perk me up yesterday as I was leaving school. I walked out of my room into the hallway, and a beautiful child with white-blonde hair bounced from her knees, held both hands to her sides dramatically, and said, "I like your outfit, AGAIN! You always look like a fashionista, which is what I'm gonna be when I grow up!" Thanking her, I told her she didn't have to wait, that I adored her polka-dot capris. Meanwhile, two of her classmates chimed in to remind me that one of their second grade friends was moving to Los Angeles this weekend. As the girls oohed and aahed over the fact that she'd be close to Disneyland and beaches, I mentioned that she'd also be near Hollywood and might even see movie stars walking down the street. "Well she's gonna see YOU then, 'cause YOU'RE a movie star!" said one of the children. Giggling with gratitude and good cheer, I wished the students a happy weekend and moseyed on. The point of this story is that being surrounded by sweet, loving, good-hearted children surely does help what ails me, and THAT will keep my young!
During a lesson in our unit on dealing with teasing, bothering, and bullying, I presented another idea for the children to put in their "treasure chests". This was called The Repeat Technique, which simply means saying the same thing over and over again in a calm voice after being given a put-down. For example, they might choose to repeat, "I'm sorry you feel that way", "Thank you!", or "You could be right!" As we prepared to practice using this strategy, I stressed to the kids that although I would be insulting them, I wouldn't really mean it, that it would be just for practice so they'd be ready if name-calling should actually happen. One red-haired boy raised his hand and said,"We know you won't really mean it, 'cause you're so pure." Looking at his face, I could tell that he was earnest and meant this sincerely. However, I was taken aback, because that's not a compliment I typically (if ever) receive! Just as I prepared to ask the little boy if he knew what pure meant, he continued, "You're really nice. You'd never do anything to hurt anybody." Mixed feelings rushed in, as I was very touched by the child's words and demeanor. However, three teachers were standing directly behind him, and being called pure in front of my peers was embarrassing and funny, too! Fortunately, I just made a joke to cover the giggles I felt coming on. "Why thank you so much. That's a very kind thing to say, and I appreciate it. From now on, y'all can just call me Polly Puritan!" The teachers and I used this opportunity to crack up, the sweet little children joined right in, and we moved on with the lesson! (And now I need to go tell my husband my new nickname!)
While checking out a library book at school one day last week, I gave my name to a lovely petite lady who was volunteering at the desk. "Are you Miss Mimi?" she asked. Then she proceeded to tell me that she'd been meaning to write me a letter letting me know how much my lessons on getting along with people had helped her daughter. Apparently her little girl has had some ongoing peer dilemmas this school year and used to be highly distressed by them. However, her mom said that the child listens very intently to my lessons on dealing with teasing, bothering, and bullying and is able to come home and teach her mom what new ideas she's learned. Not only does she have the head knowledge, but her little girl applies what she's learned and has become much more confident in dealing with friendship problems. All people want to know that their efforts are making a difference, and often we don't know for sure, we just have HOPE that what we do matters. The very kind words and affirmation I received from this cordial lady in the library not only encouraged me but also reminded me to take the time to share my appreciation and thanks with those people who touch my life in positive ways. I told a cashier on Saturday how helpful, pleasant, and conscientious she had been about checking me out and packaging my purchases. I told a kindergarten teacher how much I appreciated her flexibility and willingness to help me every single time I ask. Expressing specific gratitude can flat out make somebody's day, or even their WEEK, and it's a habit I really want to hone. Heaven knows this old world needs more courtesy and kindness, and I hope to do a better job of spreading sunshine!
Throwing her arms around me one morning this week, a cherubic kindergartner wearing a collection of bracelets and a dress decorated with bows said exuberantly, "Miss Mimi, Miss Mimi, my birthday will be here in four sleeps!" Children's expressions are just the CUTEST!
Recently, I was in a second grade classroom teaching about how kindness can help keep us out of conflicts and can also turn "enemies" into friends. Before reading a story on this topic, we discussed how feelings can change, not only about people but about foods, sports, hobbies, school subjects, and more. Just because we don't like something or someone at FIRST doesn't mean we'll ALWAYS feel that way. Giving things and people a chance can improve our feelings about them. After asking the children to tell me about times this had been true in their own lives, I heard examples such as changing their minds about broccoli, basketball, gymnastics, kids on the bus, karate, and more. But I was surprised to hear one blond-haired boy say matter-of-factly, "I used to not like coffee, but now I do." Wow! That boy's starting YOUNG! I know his teacher will be thrilled to hear about that!
Not too long ago, I talked with a mischievous freckle-faced boy about some family changes he was going through. At one point I asked if he'd talked with his parents about how he was feeling. "Oh yes," he replied. "My dad is my advocate." Surprised to hear such a big word coming out of the mouth of such a little tyke, I asked, "Do you know what an advocate is?" Nodding his head vigorously, the child said, "Yeah, it means that my dad has my back and always will, no matter what happens." Wow! I was so impressed by the relationship that these two obviously have, and consequently, I felt like everything would be alright during the transitions in this little boy's life.
