Today, I pitched in and did an extra recess duty. I got to spend 20 extra minutes outdoors, soaking in some sunshine and watching the joy of our fourth graders playing in the snow. Watching them, decked out in their snow pants and winter gear, stomping, building, and playing reminded me that they are still little kids. I sometimes lose sight of that when we are engaged in all of the big learning that happens during the school day.
When it was time to line up to head back inside, the snow was very tempting for many of the students. As I followed one class back into the building, I watched the students struggled to follow the teacher’s reminders to stay out of the snow. As the teacher waited patiently at the entrance to the building, the temptations were just too much. I tried to help. “We’re all done with the snow now,” I whispered to kids, trying to corral them into line.
Finally, the teacher called out, “Let it go,” referring to the snow that many students were holding in their hands.
That one line was an open invitation to the entire class, who did momentarily forget the snow as they broke into a collective rendition of the catchy Frozen tune.
Accepting defeat, the teacher leaned against the brick building, unable to hold back a smile. He allowed the students to finish their spirited verse before guiding them into the school.
I lagged behind, grateful to have witnessed this magical moment.
Where There Is Joy 
Ha .. love the spontaneous breaking out into song .. and this: “I sometimes lose sight of that when we are engaged in all of the big learning that happens during the school day.”
Kevin
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Great catch of a slice! I have afternoon duty and the snow is a magnet to all the kids, no matter how little there is.
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Kids are just the best!
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I can just pictuere and hear this entire tune! Hope your sockless feet weren’t too cold out there!
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I LOVE this line: “I sometimes lose sight of that when we are engaged in all of the big learning that happens during the school day.” Kids can do big (and think) big things in our classroom—but they are still kids! Thanks for the reminder and sharing this fun moment!
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I can picture this so clearly. I’m sure some kids went home sharing the same story.
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I mean even I belt out this song if that line is said or needs to be said. Fun!
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As many have commented, you hit a sort of “punchline” in the middle when you recognize “they are still little kids,” but that is almost a false climax, as the rest of your piece rises to this crescendo that we are likely all singing along with. It stamps your revelation so strongly. Well done!
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Well, it’s been a while since I had that song in my head all day so here we go (for the record I don’t mind the tune). Great slice! 🙂
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