In the Classroom

Nathan's class held a music recital and art show over the weekend. The students memorized five songs, and I could hear Nathan singing loudly. (And no, I was not one of those moms who mouthed the words along.) It was a charming show, and the kids were so cute. I sat next to the teacher who whispered things like: "Turn, turn!" and "Timmy, sing. Hands out of pockets." Nathan led the class in their bowing at the end of the show.

They sang "Wee Willie Winkie" to the tune of "We Will Rock You" which caused Peter do a double-take. Look at Nathan's face above. Did he inherit his father's penchant for music and theatre?

The art teachers displayed various projects, and Nathan said that he drew the fish and painted the easel.

Nathan wrote: "If I were president...I would make everything fair. I would make sure everybody is not poor." All of the children wrote similar things about making the world a better place and asking for peace and no more wars and violence. Didn't kids used to write things like "everyone would have free ice cream" or something else self-centered and fun? I recently read about the cycles of American childhood, from the colonial hurry-and-grow-up to Victorian golden age, and the author claimed that currently we are in the former mode. Many parents do discuss the tensions and dangers of the world with our children early to help them protect themselves (and develop their compassion too I think). Nathan's class celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday today and talked about Cat in the Hat. I asked: "What did you learn about him?" Nathan answered: "He's a stranger and he took things." Fortunately this is the same child who finds wonder and joy in the simple and mundane too. He was delighted when Maya excitedly pointed out an enormous flock of birds; Nathan exclaimed, "Look, a herd of seagulls!"