03/06/2002 - Ever read to a group of children? I have, and I have got to tell you that it is great.
In order to celebrate Dr. Suess' birthday there was a wonderful "Read Across America" campaign last Friday. In accordance the student activities director for my school, Jessie, took two other students and me to an elementary school.
We walked in to the expecting kindergarten class and sat down to read three books to the children, giving leave to the teacher. First up was the veteran, Nikki. She had read twice before and knew the terrain; Charley wasn't going to surprise her. She read to the children from the mini-book of "Beauty and the Beast."
When Nikki finished, Jessie stood up and told the kids to wiggle, touch their toes, twist, and so forth in order to keep them from getting fidgety.
After the exercise, Amanda read the classic "Green Eggs and Ham."
Another session of imaginative calisthenics followed.
Soon thereafter, I sat on a chair in front of the children and asked if they would rather hear "The Cat in the Hat" or "Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too." The consensus was unanimously in favor of "The Cat in the Hat." I was able to read the first four pages; however, I was cut short of reading all of it by time. It seems the children had to go to lunch.
I only sat there for five minutes, but I could have read to those children all day.
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Let me conclude by telling you that I can think of no better a way to spend a day than with those children. They all seemed so happy, energetic, and loving. No wonder kindergarten teachers keep their jobs well past retirement age.
