The lights dim and the room darkens. A hush falls over the theater as hundreds of students eagerly await the start of the program. A lady’s voice sounds from somewhere-none of us can see her from our perch on the third level-and reminds us to be courteous to our neighbors and to turn our cell phones off and put them away. It seems strange that elementary children need a reminder about cell phones, but it is a sign of the times. She finishes her speech. The stage grows dark.
Suddenly energetic music fills the theater. Someone begins to clap out the beat. My learners begin to perk up and clap their hands in tune with the music. A different light fills the stage. The clapping stops. I notice just how easily the behavior of hundreds of students is being managed with music, lights, and the building of eager anticipation.
The stage darkens and a spotlight lands on a chair in the corner of the stage. There sits a main character. The play begins. There is just enough light that I can see my students as the play goes on. They are captivated. No one is slouched in their chairs, picking at their neighbors, or chatting. I settle in to enjoy the play knowing that I will most likely only need to glance at them periodically.
The play ends. The audience claps enthusiastically and appropriately. We wait patiently for the announcer to call our school so that we can return to our buses. I tell my learners how amazing they are and how proud I am to be their teacher. Their smiles stretch from ear to ear. Once again, they are captivated.
Great slice! I love to see my kids engaged and excited about something. These are the moments every teacher lives for!
Thank you! You are right. I love it when my kiddos are so engaged. It is almost magical!
We had a puppet show yesterday and my Kindergarteners were silent. That never happens! Thanks for sharing this small moment of teacher joy!
Those are moments that leave me in awe! Thank you for stopping by!
I love field trips where my students see a live performance. Something about them always makes my their imagination run wild. I sit back, smile, and enjoy seeing it through a child’s eyes.
It is magical. I love it, too. Thanks for stopping by!
It always seems that our kids rise to the challenge, while many outside of education silently believe that they’re incapable of showing the poise and respect in a public setting. Doesn’t it feel great to be so proud of them?
It does feel great, and you are absolutely correct. They do rise to the challenge. In truth, that theater full of kids was more quiet than theaters full of adults that I have visited. Thanks for stopping by!
I love this slice!
Thank you!
I appreciate your use of the word “learners” to refer to your students. It’s so important to communicate who we expect them to be!
Thank you! I agree!