Saturday, March 27, 2010

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.

7 comments:

Julie said...

What a great story about how the kids liked your egg craft! They are so hungry for something different and interesting! It is just great that you shared it with them!

Your kids eggs are just so pretty!!!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Those bits of gratitude and appreciation were so special and will last you through many less than fun days. No wonder the kids loved your demonstration. Your eggs are really beautiful! So is your photography. I have a dickens of a time with glare when I shoot dark colored items. Yours are perfect!

Unknown said...

Its amazing how just when your thinking
" Why did I go into teaching?"
A student reminds you in the most wonderful way:)

Little Ol' Liz said...

I love your honesty.
I really wish the Fed would wake up and trash-can the Mandated Testing in favor of more art and gym classes for the kids. Your experience is the perfect reason why: the children are hungry for it. Isn't that what learning is all about?

How's the knitting coming along, BTW?

random Cindy said...

I'm so glad you are getting that little kid love - it's the best, so honest it really sticks to your ribs like a hearty stew.

ZenCrafter said...

Lucky kids, and lucky you for that hug of gratitude!

jackie said...

Your teacher stories always bring a smile to my face! The best school day ever.... I would definitely agree if Miss Jan came in and did artwork. Those are some lucky kids to have you pop in for a little extra art time.