The school year is over. We have two half-days next week, and then we are free. Over the past week, I have had little parties for my classes. Even the classes for the evil children. (They exist.) This week, some of the kids stopped before they ate their cookies, candy, brownies, and chips to say grace.
"Wait. We can't eat until we say grace," one sixth-grader said.
"I don't do that. I'm a Christian," a classmate responded, and I damn near fell over laughing.
"I do."
"So do I. I'll say it. God is great/God is good,/Let us thank Him/for our food."
And they dove in.
The kids prayed without shame or second thought. That was cool. A good idea when faced with my brownies, too.
Later that 45-minute segment of time, I taught the beloveds how to make origami flowers. I suggested they give them to their house principals, and they did. It was really something to watch them become enthusiastic about gratitude. To see them respecting authority. To see authority respond in kind with lollipops and silly but heartfelt words.
This week has been a dream.
30 Comments
Beautiful picture and lovely story.
ReplyDeletewow how wonderful, just desserts for a dedicated inspired teacher...
ReplyDeleteSandy: What an intersting story.
ReplyDeleteLove it when I hear about prayer in schools. . . U I know there is plenty said before tests too! Good for you and good for them. Enjoy your summer vacation -- you deserve it.
ReplyDeleteSandy,
ReplyDeleteyou have done an amazing job this year reaching these kids! You are a great teacher!
Kids do make us smile and laugh. It is really funny to hear he say he does not say grace before a meal because he is Christian :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, thank you so much for visiting our site, The Salitype Society.
Very nice story, Sandy.
ReplyDeleteClasses for the evil children? Do they exist? I don't think children can be labeled as "evil"! The men perhaps, but not the children!
Congratulations, Sandy,
ReplyDeleteto a wonderful group of children you nurtured!
The water lily looks like out of a dream. The German word for this flower is "water rose" - so true, isn't it?
YOU
ReplyDeleteare a blessing!
Aloha, Dear Sandy
Sounds perfectly fab! Cute kids.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeletePity there are not more like you, Sandy!
ReplyDeleteThose moments stay with you - make it worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteso wonderful: it's great when they realize we don't get everything for granted, and we should stop and say thanks :)!
ReplyDeleteany group of people struggle to do good. Yes I have meet the negative side of religion. There also lurks goodness trying to overcome it.
ReplyDeleteWe dew not have to surrender self to the dark side. There is the power to do goodness of the church. If you believe in goodness you must fight evil. No one can demolish you. You must allow it.
Our faith in God as part of self gives us more strength to fight adversity, unnatural laws of people and governments We must stand up against all evils wherever it appears.
Onward Christian self as to War.
Your actions speak more then words can wxplain dear sandy
ReplyDeleteThe noblest worship is to make yourself as good and as just as you can.
ReplyDeleteAuthor : Socrates
Happy to hear you had a goodly week! Summer break is almost here :)
ReplyDeleteOhmigosh, Prayer?! Prayer in SCHOOL?!
ReplyDeleteActually, trying to ban school prayer is as foolish as trying to ban persipration.
Both will always occur as long as schools conduct exams.
Aaahhhhh a much needed rest is about to commence. You can lay around the pool like this water lily and soak up some sun, recharge your batteries, prepare for another onslaught of teaching.
ReplyDeleteFunny story about the Christian child. Kids sometimes say precious things, don't they?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story. I so loved the part about not saying grace!
ReplyDeleteThe 'grace' comment is soooo funny and cute. I'm happy your week has been dreamy!
ReplyDeleteWell... it's great to hear that you had a "dream" day. I'm not going to say much... don't want to be the verbal "pinch" that awakens you from this well earned dream.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a job well done, Sandy. I'm so pleased you were able to enjoy some of the fruits of your dedication and patience this year.
I'm guessing you are a WONDERFUL teacher Sandy. I have so many happy memories from grade school, thanks in large part to wonderful teachers that I was blessed to be taught by. Great post, what memories it brought to mind.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a brilliant(no pun intended);<) summer!!!
Hugs, G
Sounds like a wonderful end to the school year... and many wonderful moments... such as a quick prayer before your brownies! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
Your story made me think about the meaning behind saying grace.
ReplyDeleteI love listening to students discuss religion. What a wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteHappy Summer Vacation! Take care of yourself - relax and regroup. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteYour post brings back a FLOOD of memories making me miss teaching ... almost ;--)
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,
Thanks for being here.