The Kiss...

Tuesday morning began with a bang today! Sandy (student teacher) called in sick... the first 20 minutes of the day were spent reassuring third graders that she did not leave forever... she still loves our class...she is actually going to come back... she is just sick. Have I mentioned before that third graders are not very flexible or receptive to a 'change in schedule'?

We actually had a great day today. There was a calm sense of 'normalcy' with just me in the classroom. Don't get me wrong-- I love and appreciate all of the great things that Sandy has brought to our classroom--- but there is certainly something to be said for those moments that we can sit in a circle together as a class--- take a deep breath--- and just appreciate the calm and comfort of 'just us'.

But, of course, that only lasts for so long before somebody comes unglued. And today takes the cake! As we neared the end of a near perfect day--- we started to organize our desks, floors, room, etc. During this time students are often making trips to the garbage can or getting the broom. We only had 10 minutes to go... 10 minutes... and then it happened...

Mikhai bent down to pick up a piece of garbage off of the floor... and as he stood up... Isaiah was bouncing around the room in front of Mikhai... and as they both looked up at each other... startled by the proximity to one another... they accidentally kissed! That's right, kissed! I can't even begin to tell you what an 'accidental kiss' between two boys does to 20 third graders... they write books about these kind of events...

Anger and tears emerged... followed by shouting and stomping and teasing and face washing/scrubbing in the back sink... yeah... did I mention that 3rd graders also struggle with self-control and anger management and appropriate responses to emotions? Well, in an urban setting, the only known emotion is extreme anger. And this extreme anger weighs heavy on an 8 year old's shoulder as he leaves school for the day--- not to mention the parents that seek out the teacher--wanting to know why their child is scowling--- and the teacher that has to try and explain an accidental kiss---

yeah--- is there any question in your mind why most of my posts are about margarittas and jagerbombs?