Field Day

Oh, how it all began...

I vividly remember Field Day from when I was a kid...the whole class wore their class t-shirts with their class name, "Coyle's Cobras" (my 3rd grade class), a hat, lathered on sun screen, laced up their tennis shoes, and marched into the field behind the school to claim what was rightfully their's...the pride of being the winning class at the end of the day. We had the 100-yard dash, tug-of-war, some relays, etc. The events had already been chosen for each student by the teacher. The kids who weren't participating were cheering on their team because there would be a Team Spirit Award at the end of the day as well. I don't ever remember if I was in a winning class or if I won any events on my own, because the whole day in itself was so much fun. Those types of field days are in the past...well, at least at the school where I currently teach.

I was excited to have a break of teaching for a day before I found out that our Field Day is in reality a Field Half-Day. I would have to keep my crazy kiddos in the room learning all morning and then we would have our chance at the fun in the afternoon. Our schedule was very screwed up...lunch was 2 hours earlier than usual, no specials, and we had to be in different places at different times.

11:45 was within breathing distance, so I asked who wanted sunscreen after most of them said they didn't have any on or in their bag. If my mom taught me one thing during my childhood (and even adulthood), it is to lather on that sunscreen...it's easier than handling the pain of a sunburn (and healthier too). It ended up being an impromptu lesson on how to apply sunscreen because most of my class had no idea where to put it, how to rub it in, and most importantly--don't rub it over your eye lids. I put dots on their faces where they needed to rub it in after a few kids started rubbing it in their hands and one on his chin. Yes...we were finally protected against harmful UV rays and ready to expend all the energy I'd been trapping within the walls of my classroom all morning.

We headed to the "Gym Area" for our first activities of Field Day. I was, at first, disappointed. The activities seemed lame and I figured the kids would tire of them easily. I was WRONG! They loved the ridiculous games that had been set up--bowling, carpet races, Dance Dance Revolution (using tape on the floor rather than video game mats), a boogies station, limbo, sponge relays, clamming in a plastic baby pool, broom ball, pizza delivery (see picture), and some other games that I can't even think of a good name to describe them. The kids loved playing at each of these stations. They especially loved the boogie station because at one point, Soulja Boy came blasting out of the speakers. It was as if they were all in hi music video...not a single kid didn't know the dance. They also all knew how to "Walk It Out" and do some break dancing (see picture). It was a good time though and it was nice to allow my kids to dance and not get upset because they are doing in the classroom and distracting everyone from learning. We moved on to some other activities where I learned that my class does not know how to divide themselves into equal lines. At many of the "events", there were 4, 5 or even 6 different groups. The person working the event would ask them to get in equal lines and it never failed that they were unable to do this. (Guess what we will be practicing next week?!?!)

Finally...TUG-O-WAR! This was the only event that reminded me of my many years as a Field Day participant. Round 1: Boys vs. Girls (FYI: I have 13 boys and 7 girls) I was on the girls team and felt like I was the only one pulling. My hands were burning from the rope after we were easily defeated. Round 2: Numbers 1-10 and 11-22 (their classroom/student numbers...about even in boys vs. girls) It was an easier match than the first round...one of the teams won. Round 3: Even vs. Odd (classroom numbers again) This was again an easy defeat. I noticed one person who was on the winning team each time...who played anchor...for a reason.

I don't believe that I've yet mentioned how dreadfully hot it was outside. We were standing on cement much of the time, which only made it more of a sweat fest. And the big conclusion for this fabulously, fun, and fiery day...the parent who "doesn't take stock in anything I have to say" appeared! He didn't say a word to me and I kindly smiled at him when I felt it necessary. I had mentioned to a substitute for another 4th grade class what had transpired between this parent and myself. (She was the short-term sub for my class between the old teacher and when I arrived.) This parent went to talk to her and I could hear my ears ringing...of course they were talking about me! What else would they talk about? He still never once uttered a word to me (only through his daughter), but the sub filled me in on the conversation. She was explaining how hard it is to take over a class, especially this one and what a great job I've done, etc. She went on and on. She told me she knew he was listening because he even agreed at one point that, "Yeah, it must be hard." Was this an epiphany? Did he finally realize that his attitudinal daughter was not my only concern on a daily basis? Maybe, maybe not...the only thing that mattered to me was that she did not even give him time to say one bad word about me. Maybe he'll think about it and realize how wrong he was. Even if he never apologizes or speaks to me again, I'll know that his words were out of ignorance and not understanding how much a teacher deals with from day to day.

After a small victory there, I was headed home, for I was exhausted and barely had a voice remaining. It's tiring yelling at your kids to get in equal lines at every event. It's hard saying over and over again that you aren't allowed walk around the school where ever you want. It's even more difficult standing out in the sweltering heat for 5 hours, just because it's different from the daily routine in the classroom, which I have built up stamina for. Thank goodness that Field Day is only a half day and that all the kids were able to participate at every event. My kids had a blast and I can say that I had some fun myself (letting the kids hug me when they were soaked just because they thought it was funny).

Below are some pictures of some activities we did...at least the ones where no students' faces are pictured.Part of the obstacle course...they all seemed to have a problem going under this without knocking it over.

Another teaching practicing her dance skills with Dance Dance Revolution.

Bowling...the lane dividers were 2x4s.

Snow Shoes...i.e. sliding your feet across the floor using carpet squares.

The dummy to run around in the obstacle course. One was the Fantastic Four the other was Daffy Duck.

Collect as many tennis balls in the bucket as you can without using your hands.

Pizza Delivery...collect one box each time...then stack them all back before any other team.

Bug Collectors

Broom Ball Relay...use the broom to get the ball through the goals.

I can't remember the name of these things, but I remember friends having them when I was younger. I wasn't very good at them and I'm still not. My class got quite the laugh when I tried it. These were in the station with jump ropes and hula hoops.