Part Uno: Let the Games Begin
Today was the First Annual 4th Grade Kickball Tournament. We had planned this for the day before TAKS a few months ago, but weather prevented it from happening. The kids came to school more psyched than on Field Day, barely being able to contain themselves. In the midst of all the excitement, I had to inform my class that we were not playing until 1:05. I originally told them "the afternoon", but it didn't satisfy them. They needed the exact time. Before the game, we talked about good sportsmanship, the rules, and expected behavior. Knowing that sportsmanship would probably be the biggest problem, we spent quite a bit of time discussing it. When I thought they understood how important it was, we were ready to face off.
I get both teams set up to go (because the other class has a sub), and we're off. We're first up to bat and it's looking good. We get a few runs and even the not-so-athletically-gifted children are
doing quite well. I'm very impressed with the cooperation and good sportsmanship that I see in my team. I will admit that I was getting quite competitive. I was getting angry at the boys on the other team who wanted to tell me the rules...keep in mind that there is one child on this team who I've had difficulty with kickball rules before. I get the rules straight, though not without straining my voice, which is very much strained this evening as I sit and type...good thing no talking is involved. We barely pulled this game through, only after ending in a tie and ultimately over-time. This is when those just average kids truly pulled it through and gained some respect from their classmates--it was a great thing to see as a teacher.Next round...the FINALS! This is not just any kickball championship game, this is for bragging rights and a cheesy trophy made with goods from Hobby Lobby (think Dancing with the Stars tackiness). It didn't matter, these kids were going to do anything they could to win this trophy and bragging rights. I would rather not go through all the drama that occurred in this game, but we unfortunately lost. There was one call that I'm still contesting, but that one run would not have won the game for us. I truly had to model good sportsmanship for my class...and then we had to have a talk about being good sports and dealing with disappointment. This was not a fun talk, and I understand how badly they all wanted to win, but arguing and trying to play the whole game by yourself won't get it done. Maybe next time we have a class event, they will show better cooperation in order to get what they want...a Styrofoam trophy. AND, the class that beat us, truly needed that. It was a great positive bonding experience for them after issues that have torn them apart in the last week. Congrats to them and I'm still dealing with unsportsmanlike behavior.
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Part Dos: Is that really a talent?
Tonight was our school talent show. I figured I would stay and watch a bit because I did have a child performing. I had no idea how much work they put into it...the theme was "Explorer Idol" because we are the Explorers and there was a cute movie intro along with short segments about each performer. (Side Note: I would like to grow up to be the teacher that produced this event.) The stage, decorations, and concession stand were great...the talent, however, 
not so great. Kids sang along with Mariah Carey, danced to Soulja Boy, sang "Rain, Rain, Go Away", sang some song about a bunny, hula hooped, played the snare drum (my kiddo), did a non-dance dance, and jumped rope. I will admit that I didn't stay until the end because of utter exhaustion and boredom. I just couldn't do it anymore. Even the principal said, "What they are doing in there is not talent." The only performers that truly impressed me were the jump rope kid who did it like a profession and it didn't even look like he was jumping up and down and the hula hoop duo. They used multiple hoops, altered speeds, and even had some on their arms and added them to their waist after a while. I know it's hard for a kid to truly understand the word talent in elementary school, so I give credit to anyone who stood on that stage and gave it your all for everyone who came to see.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Tres: In Tha Hood
As I was escaping from the talent show, I was outside to see some police officers standing by some boys on a curb. Honestly, police at our school is not an uncommon thing. I usually see them around at some point each week. If a week goes by where they don't come visit, I guarantee they'll
be there twice the next week. Anyway, I obviously take the route of most nosiness in order to find out what's going on. I see all the boys sitting on the curb, the sheriff not looking very happy asking the boys questions and the boys holding tickets. As I walk by, I hear something about throwing rocks. I head to my room to pick up my stuff and when I head back out, I see both principals, secretary, and many more adults. My principals greet me with, "Welcome to the Hood." I laugh because I truly want to know what happened, but now is not the time. I will find out by Monday...there are no secrets at our school. The boys sitting on the curb don't look like they go to our school, so I'm sure that our principals will be glad to let us know what the middle schoolers were up to this time. Seriously, is the school with tons of parents and teacher the appropriate time to vandalized, throw rocks, or do mischievous activities?I don't believe that I've yet mentioned...9 days of school left!
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