A day in a minivan, three teenagers, and an unreliable GPS. . .
Is this the teaser for a horror movie?
Things I would like to return to Walmart?
A Monty Python sketch?
No! These were the ingredients for one of the best days I have had as a teacher. Three of my students and I attended Students Taking Charge training (thanks to our amazing school nurse). I had to get up at 5:00 am (not easy for Mrs. W), find student homes (REALLY not easy for Mrs. W), and negotiate unfamiliar roads (darn near impossible for Mrs. W). I should have been exhausted. I should have been cranky. I should have been miserable. BUT, thanks to some amazing students, I laughed until I hurt, did the driver dance, and learned the following:
- We have a deep set love of our school and want to find ways to make it even more “ours.”
- Our musical tastes differ, but we loved to sing together with the radio.
- Open-mouthed young men with their faces pressed to the window of the vehicle attract attention.
- McDonald’s does not sell Fanta, Pepsi, or lemonade.
- McDonald’s staff is very tolerant.
- Not everyone shares my appreciation for yard nomes.
- Everyone does share my appreciation for bobble heads.
- Why we think some people lie.
- There are limits to my Bieber tolerance.
- Why it’s wrong to steal.
- Some girls are good at shooting clay pigeons.
- It’s hard to change our patterns of behavior.
- We would rather look tough than vulnerable.
- Students do notice the things adults do. Adults are appreciated.
- It’s hard to talk in front of a group of strangers, but it’s rewarding.
- Mr. North can turn nearly anything into a song.
- We have a unique voice and something to offer.
- I REALLY like kids.
If you are interested in doing community service with kids (with or without the minivan), check out these sites:
Action for Healthy Kids http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/
Students Taking Charge http://www.studentstakingcharge.org/
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