FUN | SANDI’S JANUARY PROMPT

Oh, What Fun We Had!

January Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Fun”

Teaching kindergarten turned into creative fun.

Six months ago my old school asked me if I would like to substitute for a couple of days in their primary school section.

They expected me to teach art and music to the Kindergarten class, and drama and English to some of the other primary classes. I was unemployed at that stage and was delighted at the opportunity.

I had no hesitation in teaching a grade 6 class as a former middle school teacher. But Kindergarten kids — that is another story.

A scary tune started playing in my mind.

“Why?” Well, I was not so sure that I could handle all that combined energy of 15 kids. Who knows, they might have a temper tantrum galore.

On my substituting day, the kids arrived at the art room with a teaching assistant in tow. “Wow!” What a relief. There was someone who knew the kids’ routines and who could offer help if I needed it.

The teaching assistant whispered into my ear, “Let’s start them off on the carpet. They can introduce themselves to you.”

That made a lot of sense to me. Atta girl. Thanks for that suggestion. She was a gem.

A circle of smiling, yet uncertain kids, introduced themselves and detailed their hobbies excitedly. After this activity, it was time to have fun. Oh, and what fun did we have? The kiddos started coloring pictures provided by the teacher.

I handled some disputes about crayons and coloring pens. I joined in the fun as my inner kid surfaced and wanted to play. At some point, the kids started singing their Summer Show Song spontaneously.

We ended the lesson with a clap-and-step song I found on the internet. The kids enjoyed laughing at Grandpa-me when I threw in a jiggle here and there and got my steps all mixed up.

When I reached home, I realized I had fun teaching the small kids. I was exhausted and sunk dramatically into the welcoming arms of my bed for a couple of hours.

Thank you to the editorial team: Mary, Sandi, and Vidya, for the interesting, fun monthly prompts.

Please visit the stories of the awesome six-word story weavers on the main Six-Word Photo Story page: B.R. Shenoy, Christina, Curious & Hungry, Daphsam, Denise, Divina, Julia, Krasi, Libby, Linda, Nancy, Penny, Rhonda, Sam, Sanghita, Shereena.