Flann's goin' in.
I passed inspection. Was fingerprinted. No criminal history. So this morning, I'm going to meet a few First Graders . . . and then I'm going to fasten my seat belt because I'm going to learn some new things!
I outlined a simple lesson plan for Day One of my overall objective: "Tell YOUR Story!" This morning, kids will share with me ONE beautiful thing they saw after they woke up and what that ONE beautiful thing taught them about the world around them.
Then I shall read one of my favorite kid books, Baboon to them, and we'll talk about what the baby baboon learned from looking at the world all around him.
Next, I'll introduce them to their very own composition books and pencils! I'll let them know as long as they have these two things, they will never lose their way.
Listening to them, I know I won't lose my way, either. A HUGE wet one and a very deep bow to treesta for providing the opportunity to learn something from the kids she loves so much. I'll report back on the experience when I get back. In the mean time, send prayers and good thoughts for these sweet young things.
I'm up, practicing reading Baboon out loud.
I'm so nervous!
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 05:03 AM
Good morning, Flann! A big wet one to you dear friend. I'm so excited about this. Just to let you know how kids are, I was in the hallway when this particular group of kids was walking back to class. I asked them if they remembered me telling them about my special friend who likes to read and write even more than me. All heads bobbed up and down. I told them not to forget that Miss Flann was coming in. They applauded. You're already a hit, Flann and you didn't even know it!
Posted by: treesta | January 13, 2012 at 05:28 AM
I picked up their composition books, their supply box, and their pencils last night on the way home, Flann. We've already got the crayons and the glue sticks at school. Just wait until they get the Play Dough!
Posted by: treesta | January 13, 2012 at 05:29 AM
WOW! What a way to start my morning, heck -- MY YEAR, treesta!
I'm now excited, too -- my head is bobbing up and down.
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 05:31 AM
And thanks for picking up all of the supplies, treesta. You love those kids so well.
Guess what, everyone -- I get a whole set of those supplies FOR MY VERY, VERY OWN!
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 05:33 AM
And you can decorate your composition book ANY way you want!
Posted by: treesta | January 13, 2012 at 05:35 AM
WOW,WOW,WOW,WOW,WOW,WOW!
Any way I want?
If that ain't a sign that I've made it, I don't know what is.
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 05:38 AM
Well, come on in and have some fun!
Posted by: treesta | January 13, 2012 at 05:47 AM
I'm taking a shower and washing my hair and everything, treesta -- more than I do when I go to church!
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 05:50 AM
Oh my goodness. We are truly honored. Well, I better get in gear. See ya in a few.
Posted by: treesta | January 13, 2012 at 05:56 AM
The most challenging part of this is going to be the drive there, treesta. Once I arrive I think I'll be fine -- especially if I find you on the other end and those precious kids.
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 06:11 AM
Have fun. Not near enough of that these days. Several years ago I volunteered with our Rotary club to read to a second grade class each week. Did it for a few years. I was especially touched when the teacher called me before the holidays and said the kids really wanted me to come see their christmas pageant. Of course I went. You will be great. Be yourself. The kids will be themselves as well. A great day.
Posted by: nowayasista | January 13, 2012 at 08:58 AM
Ironic that Flann is nervous. These kids are so excited already. Plus she's good with kids. This is a win/win for all involved.
I can't wait to hear what the kids and Flann have to say about the day.
Very proud of you, Flann. And you too, noway. I think we need more volunteers in the schools. A new perspective, a new talent, a new experience in addition to what they are already learning from their teachers can only help them learn and grow.
Posted by: Matissta | January 13, 2012 at 09:54 AM
And a special thanks to treesta for encouraging Flann to get involved and caring about these kids so much. It's refreshing to hear from an educator who continues to want the best for these children.
Posted by: Matissta | January 13, 2012 at 09:58 AM
Flann - have a wonderful experience meeting some new young friends. Please, do report back on your first day at school. Each day with the children will not go as you planned, but sometimes those will be the best days.
Blessings to all.
Posted by: PEACEsista | January 13, 2012 at 10:23 AM
I'm back!
It was TERRIFIC!
I'm kinda buzzed right now, so am heading out for a long walk. I will post a couple of sweet stories when I return.
Thanks for all of your good thoughts.
The most important thing you all need to know is this: treesta is WONDERFUL at what she does. I was in awe at how she communicated with her kids and her patience with getting them to communicate better with each other. Honestly, it was beautiful to witness.
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 10:45 AM
What a great thing, Flann. treesta, you are a genius for coming up with this idea. I would be jumping up and down with joy if I knew Ms. Flann was on her way to my classromm.
Flann, as PEACE asked, please let us know what happened. And, as you will ask the class, What was the first beautiful thing you saw when you arrived at school for your first day (other than treesta, who is, of course, beautiful).
Maybe you could do a YouTube video of you reading "Baboon" and we all could experience the joy of one of your favorite books.
You are the best.
Posted by: half-a-sista | January 13, 2012 at 10:52 AM
Back from a long walk and walking the dog.
half-a: you have posted lovely comments over the years here in the sassosphere, but I have to say that this is one of the loveliest. So many of your emails/sass comments are affixed in my journals. This one is a keeper, too. You're affirmation of me and my talents goes to a very deep place -- more than I let you know.
The SECOND most beautiful thing I saw when I arrived at the elementary school today (after treesta) was the principal. When treesta introduced us, she instantly came over and gave me the biggest, warmest hug. She was so thankful that I was there. She was beautiful through and through.
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 12:43 PM
What a great thing to do! I feel so happy when kids come to my studio...
Posted by: frida | January 13, 2012 at 01:15 PM
frida -- I've seen you lead workshops for kids. You are so inspiring. I'll never forget cutting snowflakes with you and about a dozen other kids about 50 years younger than I was.
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 02:03 PM
Gotta confess, sistas and mistas -- I have NO idea how treesta does this day in and day out because I am poop de pooped. I don't think I'll be so tired after next week's visit. So much of this week's visit was nerves and just getting acclimated.
But get this: treesta is ON HER FEET most of the day, going from one classroom to the next. Plus, after work yesterday, she went out and purchased the supplies and boxes so each kid could have his/her very own special writing box. Included in each box was a pencil with a heart at the end; a composition book, a box of crayons and a glue stick. Sweet. treesta goes the extra mile for those kids. The First Grade teacher has been a teacher for 42 years. She made me a special cake for coming to her class. Everyone was so nice and so grateful that I was there.
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 02:09 PM
What sticks with me most about my morning with the kids was the look on their faces as I was talking. I swear, I never see that in corporate America! Their eyes were as big as dinner plates and they all leaned forward, like they couldn't wait for the next thing that would come out of my mouth. They were enthusiastic -- had LOTS AND LOTS of questions.
"Are you an author, Miss Flann?"
"Are you an illustrator, Miss Flann?" (This was important to these kids which reinforced to me the power of great illustrations in books for kids.)
A big regret: that I didn't know how to pronounce nearly all of their names. treesta and I were the only white folks in the classroom and each of the kids could call me "Miss Flann" but even when I saw their names, I could not pronounce them correctly. One of the biggest things I teach is that the easiest way to affirm someone if by saying his/her name. treesta will have to get me a list so I can practice. The names were so beautiful, by the way. Like miniature poems.
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 02:13 PM
What ONE beautiful thing did these kids see this morning?
The first person to shoot up her hand said: "my birthday cake". Yes, today was her birthday. Later in the morning, I sat in the desk next to hers while we were doing a writing exercise, and I told her how special it was for me to be sitting next to "a birthday girl".
She smiled, leaned in and said: "Do you have a present for me?"
Alas, I did not. I told her that I would write her a poem and bring it next week. Gotta tell ya, she asked the question I would never ask on my birthday but would WANT to ask.
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 02:17 PM
I was touched that more than half of the kids made some reference to her/his family as the ONE beautiful thing they had seen that morning:
-- my brothers
-- my cousins
-- my sister
-- my mother
-- my grandma
-- my baby brother
-- my family
One child said: "My lovely teacher" (referring to his First Grade teacher)
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 02:19 PM
Other responses to ONE beautiful thing:
-- flower for sister
-- tree with a flower
-- money
-- dandy lion
-- father's phone
-- prayer
-- "my mom and dad getting married"
-- boots
Posted by: Flannista | January 13, 2012 at 02:21 PM