Hugs and Eggs

My classroom neighbor reads Patricia Polacco's book, Rechenka's Eggs, to her students every year. The egg craft done by the main character in that book is the same one that I am learning to do, so my friend asked if I would do a demonstration for her second graders.

Now, last week seemed to have been truly horrible for most every teacher I know. Many kids were naughty, to put it politely, and teachers were pooped. Everyone was ready for a break. I was no exception. During more than a class or two, I had to pretend to be happy and excited. That pretending gets me through the toughest classes, when really I have not an ounce of happy in me.

But my friend's class is not a tough one and I was curious to see what they thought about me bringing in art supplies that involved fire, dye and goopy egg innards.

Excited at having art class #2 for the week, her kiddies came into the room all excited. I heard one child tell another "this is the best school day EVER." I'm not sure what else they did that day that was out of the ordinary, but I was happy to have made some contribution. As I was sitting at a table showing the kids the magical moment when you wipe the wax off the egg and the design emerges, someone gave me a big hug from behind. I tell you, that was a memorable teaching moment. I'm not even sure I know who the hugger was, but it meant a lot to me.

Over the next two days, several thank you notes appeared and little ones, on their way to the restroom across the hall, stopped and thanked me again for showing them my craft. A little appreciation goes a long way with me, and that sure carried me through the rest of the work week.

The pysanky Easter eggs for my daughter, granddaughter, neices and nephews are almost done.

I'll get the last two done tomorrow and then mail them all out on Monday.

These are far from perfect, but maybe by the time these young 'uns are grown I'll have the craft down.