Perhaps it was the ice storm that left the playground like a skating rink nestled among trees. Or perhaps it was the freezing temperatures day after day, because we have not been outside at school. Whatever the reason, today was a day not to be remembered. By mid morning I felt cranky. So did the children. I did the best thing I could do, picked up a book that was tuned into the moment- No, David, by David Shannon.
I was feeling just like David’s mother. The children must have been feeling like David. We read the book together six times. Six! Then we laughed. Then we belly laughed.
The children have been moving and jumping and singing for days. Today they were tired of their favorite songs. They began fighting over their favorite toys. Even the best Beanie Babies were left on the floor. Yelling? Pushing? Yup! Children who don’t cry cried. When a child pushed another child at our Morning Meeting, I stopped to say that pushing is not okay. She stuck her tongue out at me.
Whoa!
I must have looked sad or shocked. I had no words. I was stunned. Before I could do anything, children stood up and came to give a big hug. Unprompted. They just did it.
Perhaps reading No, David had struck a nerve. Even a classroom full of good hearts can have a bad day.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
This is touching Jennie! We all have our bad days!
Thanks, Ritu. Today was a pip!
Being cooped up inside will do that to children. Glad it all ended in a hug.
Thanks, Darlene. 🙂
Sounds like a tough one. This is why the teacher’s lounge should have a Hennesy Cooler.
Hahaha! Or at least a wine cooler. 😀
There you go.
😀
TGIF – Monday can only be better, right?
I do sympathize with all concerned: teacher, kiddos and ahem…parents! 😉
Didn’t you write a post about calling for help on a fake phone one time and the kids responded well…hmmm or is that a figment of another blogger’s post?
Yes! I did write another blog post, where I called Viola Swamp. Same kind of a day. Those do happen, and 1-800 generally comes to mind. Thanks, Laura!
I love that the children came up and hugged you, Jennie. A hug can be so healing.
Very much so! And many thanks. 🙂
John Howell made me laugh. 😉 I can just see what you have been dealing with for days of being cooped up. I was getting that way a little my self. 🙂 It’s so sweet how they come out of it. Have a delightful weekend, Jennie. Smiling into mine now. 🙂
John Howell always makes me laugh. He’s one of the best. Maybe cabin fever set in today. It was quite a day, to say the least. Thank you, Marlene. Happy weekend! 🙂
What a nice way to work through the blues. You have great kids – a reflection on their teacher, I think.
Thank you, Dan. The blues, for sure. And a nice way to work things out. I really did feel like the mother in No, David. Great book!
We all have our bad days, Jennie. It’s reassuring that they happen to you, too! 😉 Of course, a book and the big hearts of your little ones came to the rescue! Here’s hoping Monday is a better day. 😊 – Susan
Thanks, Susan. Here’s to the weekend and to Monday!
‘Cranky’ is such a good word. I always forget to use it.
Great to see the kids realising that they had gone too far, and soothing you with that cuddle.
Best wishes, Pete.
I really like that word. It takes the edge of meanness off of that feeling. Thanks for reading and enjoying. Best to you, Pete.
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
More fun and wisdom from the pre-school classroom of Jennie Fitzkee. Everyone had cabin fever with the wintery weather.. so time for a good book and a hug..
Thanks, Sally!
Sweet relating of sweet things….a great group of children and a wonderful, wise teacher!
Thanks so much, Zoe!
Pingback: 1-800-Help! – The Militant Negro™
Thank you!
One wise teacher here.
Thank you!
How I wish I had teachers like you.
😊
Oh boy, I remember those long winter days with young kids. Hopefully you’ll be getting some good days soon to play outside!
Thank you, Kate. I hope so to! 🙂
Thanks for this, Jenny. I’ve been visiting schools with my books, and almost all the classes have been wonderful. I do wonder how teachers cope when the students have a bad day.
Glad you enjoyed this, Cynthia. I’m glad your school visits have been wonderful. Teachers have to have something up their sleeves on bad days. I usually play the autoharp to sing and dance, often serenading other classes. Reading a good book to children can do wonders.
Would love to be there for the music and dancing!
Oh, we have a ball! You would love it, Cynthia.
Of course they can, Jennie. When I was attending school an approaching thunderstorm and heavy rain always seemed to make us all go completely mad and uncontrollable.
I remember the same thing when I was in school.
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
Thank you, Michael!
Thank you for posting! Have a blessed week. Michael 😉
Best to you, Michael. 🙂
I understand every word of this!
Haha! I’m glad I have company.
Perhaps it was a full moon Jennie! 🙂
Ha! Do you know that teachers know a full moon by the behavior of the children? Love it!
Of course. That’s why I mentioned it! I’m very intuned to the moons! 🙂
Loved the post but have a hard time picturing a cranky Jennieâdoesnât seem possible!
Thank you, Mary Kay. Cranky was only on the inside. Nothing like a good book to fix that!
Jennie, you tell so vividly of an ordinary day, making it seem extraordinary. Hugs
Thank you, Teagan. Your words are much appreciated!
This is awesome! Not every teacher has the greatest day in the world but this puts it into perspective that even though kids can act as happy as a clam, they can switch in a second!
Thanks so much, Katie. You said it well. 🙂
Lovely honest sharing, Jennie. I’m sure everyone, including the girl herself, was shocked when she poked out her tongue. Sometimes things just need to reach a point for calm to return. What a wonderful response from the children. They love you so.
Thank you, Norah. I think shockwaves rippled everywhere. No words were needed. This was a moment of learning for the all-important social and emotional growth. And, kindness prevailed! Do you know the book, No David?
I do own a copy of the book but it is a while since I’ve read it. I actually had a David like that the year I bought the book.
As of today, children are still hanging all over this book. You and I have both had a David!
The children see parts of themselves and others they know in the book. 🙂
Yes!
Wonderful to read about your not-entirely-wonderful day… Hurrah for human hearts of all shapes and sizes!
Being cooped up does things to all of us. The hug was a sweet gesture from your class. No David is one of my favorite picture books too.
How sweet, Jennie. Children can drive you crazy one minute and then melt your heart the next. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the book. Most parents say ‘no’ to their children many more times than they can imagine over the years. Sometimes some of the things we say do sink in. Sigh! 😆
So glad you enjoyed this, Janice. Yes, children can swing from cranky to sweethearts all in a moment. I think the reason the book is so popular is because of what you said; parents saying no more times than they can imagine. Therefore, both child and parent thoroughly enjoy the book, together.
Aww, what a great group hug. Hope you’re having a much better week. I imagine the kids (and you) are excited about Valentine’s Day. 🙂
It was a great group hug, Marcia. Yes, a much better week. Valentine’s Day
Meant to say that Valentine’s Day is so much fun!
Good grief, Jennie, you blew me away… again! Thanks for sharing this gem.
Thank you, John. Glad you liked it. 😊
I’m so glad you have pictures which include yourself, Jennie! So often the teacher is also wearing her or his “hat” for photography. Then, there isn’t a record of your contribution. The class hug is a wonderful gift to receive. 💞 You’re the best, Jennie.
I asked my assistant to take the photo, because the group hug went on, and on, and on… a gift for sure. 🙂
interesting
Perfect! Love it! Thanx again
You’re welcome! 🙂