DISCLAIMER: I wrote this awhile back. I can remember the incident, but I can't see if this post is finished or not because I am looking at it on my iPad. I am going to take a chance and post it anyway, whether it is finished or not. If not, it is a cliffhanger and I'll let you know what happens. Enjoy...
Did you know that it is impossible to hold on to your coffee when you are corralling screaming children?
Yep. Thankfully I didn't spill anything, but I also left my purse in the middle of the hall to help the teacher who had been on site first.
First thing in the morning you expect a few kiddos to be upset. The first few weeks of school the PK kids are going to cry. Not gonna lie. (For those out there who a) have small children and b) new teachers, the best defense is the hug and leave. Give the little one a big hug. Tell them you love them and leave. Don't. Hang. Out. This does not help.) However, we just finished up the fifth week of school and first and second graders should not be screaming and kicking.
So when I heard the duo greeting the door with a wail, I set down my coffee, left my purse in the middle of the hall, and went off to help. We needed up having to "move" the pair to the library (closest room) and let them scream. All the while blocking the door so they couldn't run off. So I know you are wondering, what do you do from there? Well, take them by surprise.
As they are screaming, I let them know this needs to come to a stop and that I want to have a conversation with them, but I can't do that if they are screaming. After that...I rate their performance. That's right. I let the second grader know that while his screams were adequate, he could be throwing himself on the floor and rolling around. I gave him multiple chances to make this production better and wouldnt you know it he didn't. He got quiet and the first grader took a seat to have a conversation about My Little Pony fruit snacks.
