It was just, like, WOW!

So, one of the most amazing things happened to me the other day and my whole attitude took a lift. It was a “man! Patience might be a good thing to learn” moment because just lasting another couple of weeks and calming down some has allowed this to happen! I get that you may not see it as so amazing, but it left me with that awe feeling and still does…So, what happened?

One of my students, Rocky, tried to hold a real conversation with me. He used all English words(ish) and no miming and was very excited to try to tell me something about his father and him on the computer. It isn’t that the kindergarteners aren’t speaking to me; it is that they haven’t been able to tell me more than what we are learning: name, age, days of the week, and etc. Then there are the ones that have trouble even doing that much, but Rocky, who said I was scary that first day, gave me a big hug and tried to hold a “conversation.” I was/am so thrilled. He even started it out with “Sandra-Teacher” (they only get my full name 1/10 times and even then it is usually Sassandra instead of ‘C’) meaning for me to listen to him and pay attention.

Overall the kids are doing better at trying to communicate with me. We have learned that sick and hurt are two different things and the boogers are a very bad thing to wipe on other people. Tattling on the person who is speaking Korean is bad because Cassandra-Teacher can hear even the whispered Korean and just knows when someone is not speaking English. Running is bad when not in the playroom and one should automatically sit nicely either at the table or during circle (floor) time.

Currently the biggest problem my kindergarteners are having is fighting over erasers and pencils. EVERYONE is given a sharpened pencil and an eraser. EVERYONE! But no matter-someone will end up with 3 or 4; the rest with none and I always am one short when I go to collect them. (on a side note only some will understand it is the Keith/Bradley “exactly the same” fight between 11 Keith/Bradley’s) It is always the same thing:

[So and So a]-- “Teacher! Teacher! [So and So b]… (point) my ‘raser!” (while holding an eraser in hand)

[So and So b ]-- (trying to look innocent while shaking head no) “No, No [So and So 1] (pantomime a taking motion and shows eraser)

Teacher (Scenario 1) --“Do you each have an eraser in your hand?” (wait for scowling/un-comprehending stares) (a little more “angrily”) “Do you each have and eraser in your hand?” (nods of yes) “Okay then; no problems.”

OR

Teacher (Scenario 2 is still a problem after scenario 1)-- (taking the erasers) “They are my erasers anyway” (“mixes” them up and re-distributes) “Everyone has an eraser yes? Okay now work”

Pencils are not as bad, but even they can be a problem and heaven forbid a kid drop it on the floor or accidentally place their book on top of it. They will not be able to find it, nor will believe it could be somewhere if it is not in front of them. Velina is the worst with that. If it is not on top and staring at her she cannot find it and will accuse everyone around her until I find it: in her hair, in her book on the wrong page, under the book, under the table, under the chair, etc etc etc. If you cannot see it- it does not exist.