I Love My Kids!

We had such a great week back from holidays. I was amazingly interesting to them once again (which we know won't last long!). They were thrilled to see a new spelling list, happy to record rain forest layers in their science booklet, and happy to pour through books again during our Daily 5.

The boys' pecking order has been established, so they can relax. Families are sending in nutritious lunches once again. Hair was cut, lice was eliminated for now, new shoes were purchased for growing feet, and they are genuinely happy to work and play together again. Whew!

Our older kids had had a very tumultuous time last term. Macksville goes from K - 6. Which means sixth graders who, in the states are the young ones of the middle school, are the oldest in the school. That means the hormones are in, the dynamics are changing, the music and pop culture has a new meaning, and they are "over" elementary school. I'm noticing a big difference from what I see in the 5th graders at home that are "over" elementary school. That is plenty, as we know. This is exponential, as you can imagine. US 6th graders are given the larger school, the P.E. classes, the lockers, the different teachers and different classes, and the new horizons, so to speak. Here the 6th graders are still in one room with one teacher all year. Yes, they are the leaders. Yes, they are the role models. But they are rebelling like they never have. Is it the new millenium? Is it families? Is it us? Well, what part can we change to help?

So, this term's answer is a detention room, basically. A room with cubicles, no stimulation, no interaction or breaks with other students, and full supervision. Parents give permission, and the time period is whatever it takes to be ready to go back to the classroom. There are up to 8. Right now it's boys, but Friday saw it's first girl addition. Some staff are horrified that we would go to this length. It's punitive, it's isolating, it's cruel. Others are understanding that now other students can have a chance to learn, be heard, and flourish, finally. We'll see.

Meanwhile in my room, the kids and I are humming along! This is why I love second graders and why I love doing what I do.

I overheard something funny this week, though, that I have to share. I hope I don't offend a reader, but please understand this is Australia, and the social norms of the U.S. are less strict. A Kindie student had not written or drawn anything on her page. The teacher said, "Look at your paper! You haven't done anything. The other children have filled their pages!" The little girl said matter-of-factly, "Then I bettah git off moy ahse!"