Friday, August 22, 2008

That Was Easy or Should It Be, Was That Easy?

I don't often write about things that happen at school, but this event was priceless!!! I won't use any names so that I don't break any confidentiality.


I have the utmost respect for kindergarten teachers. I can do almost anything at school from being a crossing guard to working in the cafeteria. But there are two things I can't and won't do--blood and kindergarten. Doing discipline with kindergarteners is probably one of the most difficult jobs that I have ever encountered over the years. Trying to reason with these little children who are five is a whole story in itself.

Yesterday, one of my wonderful kindergarten teachers brought one of her students to my office for a "little chat." This darling little girl sat in the chair in front of my desk and waited patiently for what I had to say. I asked her why she was in my office. She said it was because she had "misrespected" one of the adults who works in her classroom. I tried to process what that meant and I thought I did a fairly good job.........

Next we discussed her "threat to kill" another student in the classroom and how serious that is. She admitted to everything that she had done and we talked about appropriate behavior at school.

I have an "Easy Button" on my desk that was given to me by our receptionist a few years ago. I had noticed that it was at the front of my desk close to where the little girl was sitting. As she told me of her misdeeds, she kept looking at the Easy Button. I had this feeling that this might not turn out for the best and that my "authority" might not be taken as seriously as I had hoped.

Well, that feeling panned out......... After we finished the discussion, the little five year old just could not resist the temptation. She punched the Easy Button and the "that was easy" phrase came out. It was all that I could do to keep from bursting into laughter. Her teacher could not even make eye contact with me. I asked the little girl to go sit in the chair close to my office and wait for her teacher. She got up and went out of my office and her teacher and I burst into laughter as silent as we possibly could muster at that point!!

I can only hope that I made some type of an impression on this young lady! I know she did on me. This is why I continue to go to my job every day!!!

Each night when I come home from school from this point forward, I know that I will process my day and realize one thing..............

"THAT WAS EASY!"

If I can remember this phrase, I know that I will be able to continue for a few more years.........

5 remarks:

Anonymous said...

Sheila, this story ranks right up there with your other hilarious kindergarten stories. Can just see that little one sitting across from you and looking at that red button out of the corner of her eye as you are talking to her. Just too funny! I firmly believe kindergarten teachers are God's angels on earth!
Sandra

Anonymous said...

Sheila,
I am still laughing about this !
KW

barb said...

This is a must in the book you HAVE to write!

Anonymous said...

The picture is of Blarney Castle. The left side of the castle is where you lean over to kiss the stone.

Julie said...

Thanks for sharing that story......got to love those little ones!!