Kids Happen

Stardate: October 16, 2009

Captain’s Log: 10:55 p.m.

Subject: Packet Delay

Yes, today is Friday.  Time to cozy up to your child and browse through their week’s work, celebrating new or mastered skills, or sympathizing over a particularly tough challenge.  You check the backpack, maybe take a look under the seats in the car.  Where is that packet of work? Sitting in the sea of unmarked papers on the table in the back of the classroom, empty.

Today was a day full of meetings and discussions – some to the whole, some to single or paired players.  Everyone had a piece of the day to work through, parse, discuss and solve their own issue or conflict.  There were conversations about the playground, story time and what could be found in desks and pockets. Analysis of hygiene, body language and the principle of personal responsibility.

These are all things that are a part of any given day here in 2nd and 3rd Grades.  Admittedly, some days more than others.  These are the things which too often fall by the wayside, unaddressed, unexplored, or misunderstood in many schools.

It is a unique gift of our program and philosophy that today I knew it was okay to leave those packets unattended and empty, because other things needed to be the priority.  Priorities which required Ms. Jenkins (thank you, Vickie!) to take over and leave me free to talk with kids, unhurried. Priorities which found Ms. Price (yea, Maggie!) sitting on the floor in the hallway facilitating meaningful discussions with wide-eyed, eagerly participating students.  Priorities which recognize the importance of thorough and timely communication and conversations with parents.

So, the week ends.

We are all familiar with the axiom, “Life happens.” Well, the messy table will still be there on Monday, and new work will be waiting to fill those packets, but today, kids happened.