The Candy Corn Lady
Ever since Beth started school, I have felt as though those two-and-a-half hours a day when she's apart from me were a big, mysterious blank.
Oh, sure, she tells us strange details from time to time. For instance, shortly after school began she informed us that there is a girl who sits at her table who could "snap like a piece of uncooked spaghetti." (Genetic disorder? Exotic disease? I don't know.) One time she said they sang a song and it was in an African language but she doesn't remember it anymore. Or that they played a game and it was SO much fun and she had to draw a circle on the board and she WON! But as far as any kind of coherent narrative of what her typical day is like, not so much. Hearing about kindergarten from Beth is like watching a movie 10 seconds at a time, with a blanket over the screen. Kind of frustrating if you're a nosy mom like me.
So I was ecstatic to be able to go assist with the Halloween party in Beth's classroom a couple weeks ago and experience kindergarten for myself. (Thanks to my friend Jessica for watching the little sisters so I could be there).
My main jobs at the party consisted of putting candy corn on the children's plates, helping them open their CapriSuns, and handing out pumpkins to take home at the end. The rest of the time the other moms (and one dad) just stood off to the side and chatted.
I can't say that my assistance with this party was crucial to the success of Beth's educational career. And, of course, assisting at a party did nothing toward relieving my curiosity about what kindergarten is like, because the party is nothing like a regular school day. But it was fun to watch her giggle with all her little friends, to actually hear in person the "Goodbye Song" that they sing every day, to reassure myself that she really is enjoying her school.
And what made it completely worthwhile was the way Beth's face lit up when I came into the room. I felt a tiny bit like a celebrity as she began whispering to all the other children at her table, "That lady? The one in the brown sweater? That's my MOM!" I know this isn't going to last forever. That she isn't always going to be thrilled when her mom shows up at her school. But right now, at this age, I am such an important person in her life that me being there made the party better for her. Witnessing her pure and simple happiness at seeing her mama in her classroom was enough to fill my own heart with happiness too.
Hey, somebody's got to hand out those candy corns. I am glad that this year, for this kindergarten class, that privilege was all mine.
Candy corn photo by willc2, found on wikipedia.
Oh, sure, she tells us strange details from time to time. For instance, shortly after school began she informed us that there is a girl who sits at her table who could "snap like a piece of uncooked spaghetti." (Genetic disorder? Exotic disease? I don't know.) One time she said they sang a song and it was in an African language but she doesn't remember it anymore. Or that they played a game and it was SO much fun and she had to draw a circle on the board and she WON! But as far as any kind of coherent narrative of what her typical day is like, not so much. Hearing about kindergarten from Beth is like watching a movie 10 seconds at a time, with a blanket over the screen. Kind of frustrating if you're a nosy mom like me.
So I was ecstatic to be able to go assist with the Halloween party in Beth's classroom a couple weeks ago and experience kindergarten for myself. (Thanks to my friend Jessica for watching the little sisters so I could be there).
My main jobs at the party consisted of putting candy corn on the children's plates, helping them open their CapriSuns, and handing out pumpkins to take home at the end. The rest of the time the other moms (and one dad) just stood off to the side and chatted.
I can't say that my assistance with this party was crucial to the success of Beth's educational career. And, of course, assisting at a party did nothing toward relieving my curiosity about what kindergarten is like, because the party is nothing like a regular school day. But it was fun to watch her giggle with all her little friends, to actually hear in person the "Goodbye Song" that they sing every day, to reassure myself that she really is enjoying her school.
And what made it completely worthwhile was the way Beth's face lit up when I came into the room. I felt a tiny bit like a celebrity as she began whispering to all the other children at her table, "That lady? The one in the brown sweater? That's my MOM!" I know this isn't going to last forever. That she isn't always going to be thrilled when her mom shows up at her school. But right now, at this age, I am such an important person in her life that me being there made the party better for her. Witnessing her pure and simple happiness at seeing her mama in her classroom was enough to fill my own heart with happiness too.
Hey, somebody's got to hand out those candy corns. I am glad that this year, for this kindergarten class, that privilege was all mine.
Candy corn photo by willc2, found on wikipedia.
3 comments:
I love going to my son's classroom. So far he still likes it that I am there(2nd grade), but I wonder how much longer it will last.
LOL - "snap like a piece of uncooked spaghetti!" I love that you got a glimpse into the mysterious world of Kindergarten. :) (And we loved having the little sisters over to play!) This makes me really look forward to Siennalee's Kindergarten experience.
Hey, I've been reading some of your poems to my 10th graders. They really liked "How to paint your toenails" and "I made spaghetti for dinner." They said your poems are "fun." Just thought you'd like to know. :)
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