Yesterday I went to the school to help with the 4th grade end of the term reading goal party. There were three classes with about 25 kids in each class. One by one the classes came outside to play some relay games that myself and another mom organized for them. The relay they were doing was an obstacle course that ended with them shooting a basket before going to tag the next kid in line. Now, while there are plenty of fourth grade girl & boy athletes...there are some that are not. As these not-so-great athletes were taking their turn shooting a basket (we had them stop trying after 10 failed attempts) my stomach was in knots for them. This was the kind of relay that as a fourth grader I would have instantly faked a stomach ache with high hopes of being sent to the nurse, or just given the ok to "sit that one out". I just would have been in fear of being made fun of if I didn't make a basket right off...and that was my fear for these few kids that were trying and trying and trying, with no success. I was trying to listen for the words I was afraid of hearing...not-so -nice words...Guess what? I didn't hear ANYTHING of the kind! Not even from the kids I was positive would fail my little test. Instead, I heard wonderful words of encouragement, even a pat on the back from a classmate saying "it's ok, you did a great job!"
People like to say (and I know I have said it) that kids are mean. Well, this group was not, and had every opportunity of being so. I couldn't have been more proud if I was each kids own mother ...and I was the very proud mother to two of them:)!
I know that each kid experiences this kind of junk at some point, some experience it a lot..but I am absolutely loving where we live and LOVING the kids my kids associate with everyday! Thanks 4th graders! You guys ROCK!!!
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3 comments:
It was such fun at lunch yetserday! You're so brave going by yourself and I'm glad you did! I'm going to have to start keeping an eye on your blog. See you in San Diego!
This post was inspiring. My children are not yet in school but I worry about the mean things kids say. Obviously, it doesn't have to be that way.
Lunch was so fun. I'm glad you were brave. I don't know if I would have done it but am so glad you did. We will have to do it again.
there are you happy? I promise not to abandon my blog again.
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