I am thankful for my students who are constant reminders of our future. Kids are the most amazing creatures. My classes know exactly how I am feeling, and I am often amazed by their observation and sensitivity.
For example today seemed to be filled with drama. This kid would not quiet down so I could explain what we were about to do. That kid thought she would be sneaky and not spit out the gum I caught her chewing. It was simply a regular day. The kids were a little more excited than usual due to the upcoming holiday, but it was really no big thing. However, the weather changing also triggered the beginnings of a headache. One class came in and I walked to the front of the class to give instructions. I closed my eyes for a moment, fighting the urge to put my head down on my desk, and I heard one of my little angels speak up, “Mrs. Moore, do you have a headache?”
I was immediately thankful for my students. They are full of energy, mischief, humor, and thoughtfulness. On the days when I question my sanity for having a job that I arrive at by 7:00 am and rarely leave before 5:30 pm, only to take more work home, it is these moments that remind me why I am a teacher. How fortunate am I to be working with these wonderful, energetic young people?
Their humor and creativity is a load of fun! This week, in honor of Thanksgiving, I assigned a “Dress the turkey” writing project which I borrowed from a colleague. The assignment is simple: design a costume for Tom or Tina Turkey to wear so Farmer Brown won’t find him/her and the turkey will be safe from Thanksgiving dinner! The students are given a turkey to decorate, and paper upon which to write. On that paper they are to write a paragraph from the perspective of the turkey about their costume and how it will save them from the dreaded ax! Some examples of creative turkey costumes:
Paratrooper turkey: the feathers look like the parachute
Turtle turkey: the turkey has borrowed a friend’s shell to hide in until after Christmas
Secret agent (Turkey…..Tom Turkey….Agent 350 degrees): needs no explanation
Cornstalk Turkey: looks like a dried cornstalk
Toilet Turkey: well….no extra detail needed here
Hippie Turkey: “Peace, man….”
Butterfly Turkey: Fluttering around
Santa Turkey: Ho-Ho-Hoping he’s fat enough to fool the farmer!!
Baseball Turkey: Cunningly disguised as a baseball, he is sure to be safe from the ax!
The list goes on and on…there are football players, gangsters, and cowboys. Their creations are as unique as the kids themselves. Sometimes I – like everyone else – need a little reminder…as we begin the holiday season and the kids sometimes get a little over-excited and we get a little edgy; I am so thankful for kids and the energy they bring!
Christine Moore currently holds a degree from Howard Payne University and is actively working toward a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Married with four children, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 14 years. Her husband, Jeremy, owns a local company that specializes in web design, custom computer builds, and on-location repair called DreamSoft Design at www.dreamsoftdesign.com. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!
