Just back from a sweet morning school visit.
Lotsa kids sittting criss-cross applesauce on the gym floor, a futzy little portable microphone,
and me with my book.
Or rather, my book via PowerPoint.
Which is my read-aloud method when there are too many kids to easily and cozily share the real thing.
So, for the little ones (preK-2nd grade), I like to walk into the book by singing a song together (one that features pockets) and then joyfully and methodically going through the pockets of my ‘writer’s vest’ (aka, fishing vest) and then, drumrolll please, reading the book — A Sock is a Pocket for Your Toes.
The kids generally love the warm-up — especially the vest, which is filled with all sorts of intriguing and funny treasures, including a sock. (This one inevitably cracks ’em up. They are always just certain that it is dirty. Go figure.)
Anyway, today there was a wiggly little guy with an orange shirt sitting front and center.
At some point during the singing or vest adventure, his hand went up and it wasn’t goin’ down until we spoke, guaranteed.
And when I called on him he said, “Can we get reading? I’ve been verrrrrry patient here.”
So we did. I was as ready as he was…
Honesty from children… what a great moment!
I substitute teach and I am lucky enough to only get called when I am in the mood for a little inspiration those short people sitting criss-cross applesauce.
My own kids are great, but classrooms full of them feed the soul!
Amy Hanek
http://www.houseonthegladehill.blogspot.com
Hilarious!
I went on a field trip with my fifth graders this week, and when the pioneer woman asked my class who the Potawatomi were, a kid in my class raised his hand and asked, “Casino owners?”
I couldn’t stop giggling through the rest of her presentation.
Sounds like a terrific visit. How many preK-2 did you have in the room, if I can ask?
I’m gearing up to start poetry school visits and am trying to come up with ways to engage and interact, too. Your visit sounds like so much fun–congrats!
singing
See, you are a singer after all!
And the misplaced sock is always good for a laugh amongst that set.
Sounds fun. I’d love to see you in action one of these days.
“Can we get reading?”