Laughter

There are times when I just can't help but laugh at my students (maybe I should say "with" but it really is more laughing AT!) Today, in Bible class, we were going over a worksheet. Here's how it went.
We were well into the class and, amazingly enough, they were fairly well behaved with very little talking (this is my class of 5 girls and the rest of them are boys!). I was moving quickly and everyone seemed to be paying attention.

Me: Matt, number 5. What did Jesus say to the man in this story?
Matt: I'm coming to your house.
Me: John, number 6. What did the man do?
John: Um...I have a question.
Me: Answer the question, please, and then you can ask your question.
John: Climbs down and goes to his house.
Me: Okay. Now, what is the question?
John: Um...Does anyone else smell Chinese food? Cause I do. It's making me really hungry!
Me: (Looks at John, not quite sure how to respond)
Andrew: (from across the room) I don't smell Chinese but it smells like Mexican over here.

How do I keep from laughing? Random!!

The Best Moments in My Classroom

*Looking around the room and seeing the faces I've come to know and love over the last four years.
*Watching that "aha" moment when a student who has been completely lost finally "gets it."
*Stopping the band because I found an opportunity to point out the the most ornery student was the only one doing what I asked. (I loved the smile he gave me after that!)
*My "No, no, no" accompanied by three cymbal crashes at the same moment...and the laughter that followed.
*Hearing, "I have a really boring part on that song, but it really is a beautiful song and I like it!"
*Hearing, "I can't play this." (and watching the process of learning and accomplishment)
*Listening to my students begin to discuss music intelligently.
*Finally figuring out how to handle my most talkative (and sensitive) student!!

and that was just today...

Summer's End

This summer, I had the opportunity to do some playing for the Ohio Light Opera. It was amazing. I never knew that I love performing just as much (if not more) than teaching! I found that what I loved the most was being around people who love music, literature, art, and all of the things that make life so sweet! I loved just sitting and listening to conversations (I'm usually too shy to join in when there is a big group of people). I love laughing (Last night, during Bluebeard, I laughed so hard I cried several different times!). I love being around creativity, like the Looney Tunes song as Bluebeard hunting horn tune or the various costume changes of the musical director. I love being around people who make me think, sometimes about issues in the world, other times about what I believe or any other random topic, but it is refreshing to think critically about things. I love being around vocalists. Don't get me wrong...instrumentalists are fine too, but there is something so fun about the personalities of great singers! I could go on and on about all that I love. I have so many great memories that I should start a blog just for that (although I think four is enough). My mom commented the other day that she has never seen me happier. She's right....this has been the best summer of my life (I think it even tops my Africa trips, and that's hard to do!)!

Next week, I start back to school. Honestly, I am struggling right now because I don't really want to go back. I love the kids and my subject area. I enjoy being in the classroom, teaching what I love so much. I know I feel like this every year. Until I see those faces staring at me, I don't want to be there. Then, I walk into the school and hear, "Hi Miss Gray. How was your summer? I can't wait for our band trip." And I am reminded that I do love what I do during the year too. Life is good!

Snow Day!!

Today is our 5th snow day this year, the second one this week! Here is what I woke up to this morning. This is my back door (and one of my dogs when we ventured out for a minute).

Typical 6th Grade Class This Year

Teacher: Please take out the song "Come Celebrate" and turn to measure 25. [Brief Pause as they turn their pages] Michael, what song are we going to work on?

Michael: Ummm......."O Sing Out Forever"?

Teacher: [Trying not to laugh or get angry] No, that's not correct. Christopher, can you tell me what song we are going to work on?

Christopher: Ummm......."Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel"?

Teacher: [what can you do but laugh?] No, Please take out "Come Celebrate". Turn to measure 25. This is your note [teacher plays a note]. One, two, ready,...

Aaron: What measure are we on?

Matthew [whispering loudly to Aaron]: Duh, weren't you listening? 42!


What is a teacher to do?

James 1:19
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

Excuses, Excuses

Today in Middle School band, I was trying to explain what songs we were going to do and two of the girls were talking. I pulled out my grade book and took a point away from each girl. Immediately, one of them asked if I took a point off. When I said yes, she said, "But I was just smelling her hair!" It's one of those comments you thought you heard wrong so you don't react. When one of the clarinets looked over and asked, "What?!" I just laughed! That's the best excuse I've ever heard!

Our Madrigal Feast

A success in every way, our madrigal this year was a first attempt to put on a huge production! What an awesome experience to sit back and enjoy watching my students come together for an entire evening of singing, playing instruments, and drama! Usually, when I watch something I've helped direct, I find something that could be improved or, at the very least, something I could have instructed better. Not so with this event! I sat back and enjoyed every minute! I still have tears in my eyes from the pride I have in my students! I cannot thank the parents and students enough who gave so much extra to make it all possible! Here are some pictures...they don't begin to capture the incredible transformation of our gym into a beautiful performance hall!

The entire gym

The King's Table and stage

Each table was beautifully decorated!

How cool are the tapestries hanging from the ceiling?!