2nd Grade Saddness :(

I've gotta get this boy some help.

We were discussing self respect and how you have to accept who you are and do your best and how life has its ups and downs and you gotta keep a positive attitude and keep trying...and one of the 2nd grade boys said,  "My life rarely has ups."  His voice was really heartbreaking.

Wow.  We all tried to point out good things in his life, and even talked about another kid on campus who is IN A WHEEL CHAIR!

When I asked him what was the worst part about his life, he couldn't think of anything.

Or didn't want to say.

Sometimes, I Do a Good Job!

I got a letter from a parent today and it made me feel proud, I wanted to share.  The names have been changed to protect the innocent: 

D'brickashaw told me yesterday that he was uncomfortable doing the class activity and that you helped him through it. He said I felt really good when Mr. Bowers supported me and complimented me.


I am sure you have had your share of boys/girls who were shy or didn't feel comfortable acting out things in class but you sure know how to handle it. You made him feel good and I appreciate you!



Yay!  I did it!  When I do get a kid who is shy, I don't push it, however, I try to make a deal with them that will get them to try again next time.  Also, getting them to act in larger groups in front of an audience helps them get over their fear.

Now, if the kid is just being lazy, I tell them that they don't get to tell the math teacher, "no" when they have to do math work.  This is Drama work and it is part of the school day!

Not Indians

Our school used to be nick-named the Indians, but about 15 years ago, we had a contest to change the name to something more politically correct.  The contest was put on by our Principal at the time, and thankfully his favorite name won.  Our school nick-name is now, "All-Stars."  Lately, I've started taking the name to a another level when we get a new kid:

MR. BOWERS:  What school did you come from?
NEW STUDENT:  ( _____ Elementary) 
MR. BOWERS:  Oh, yeah, well you must have been the best kid at your school because for some reason, you are now an ALL-STAR.  We take all the best kids from every school and bring them here to be ALL-STARS.  Were you the best kid at your school?
NEW STUDENT:  Yes.
MR. BOWERS:  I knew it!  Well, welcome to our school, you are now an All-Star!" 

They always say, "yes."  

Caveman Drama

At the beginning of the year, I like to introduce Drama to children by talking about how Cavemen might have "acted out the hunt" around the fire for the people who stayed home.  That must have been the origin of Drama.  I let them group up and get them to show, "how they caught the dinosaur!"

This year, a group of 4th grade girls acted out that they were cooking up some roast beef in hopes that the smell would lure the dinosaur out of the jungle.

If dinosaur meat tastes better than roast beef, I really need a time machine!