Hope Is Renewed

We're back! We're back from feeling discouraged, and that maybe it's best to just stop teaching on Wednesdays. There's nothing like the feeling of success to reinforce the desire to keep going.

Two days ago we had class, and the theme was about continuing to be polite and kind when you are being treated in the opposite way. The story was about 'Abdul-Baha in Akka, when a man was insulting, rude and unkind to Him for 24 years. It captured the children's attention. They also did really well memorizing the quote. "O friend! In the garden of thy heart, plant naught but the rose of love." One child, whose mother is from Mexico, and father from Morocco, chose to learn it in Spanish.

Before all _____ broke loose two weeks ago

Something that's different is that we decided to go back to Book 3. So many of the children we teach now did not go through that curriculum, so it made sense to focus on it.

Our class follows the school system's calendar. The summer break will begin in June, so we'll continue to have class through May. There are two more to go, and it's a feeling of steadfastness to continue, no matter what.


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What was the lesson today? Having love for others, no matter how you are treated.

Virtue: Love

"O friend! In the garden of thy heart, plant naught but the rose of love."
~ from the Baha'i Writings

Catching Up

Where did the time go?

There's nothing like feeling discouraged with class to keep me from posting about a class. About 3 weeks ago, we had a class that was right after the TAAS test. The kids had taken the test for most of Tuesday and Wednesday, and they came to us completely wound up and stressed. They didn't say it in those words, but their behavior was probably the worst and for the first time the other teacher expressed such concern that perhaps we needed to stop having class.

After consulting, we decided to ask the Local Spiritual Assembly of Austin for support. We hope to meet with them, or a task force, before the end of the month.

As would follow, class this Wednesday was pretty good in terms of classroom management, and leaving feeling like the kids learned, and it was not necessary for the teachers to take 4 hours to recuperate.

The More Teachers, the Merrier

Class last week was pretty smooth. This week is spring break and Naw-Ruz, so we plan to resume on March 25th.

Let me start by thanking the two substitutes who expertly nurtured the children, took photos and engaged each child.

Big sister holds hands tightly, as the little ones eagerly walk to class a few weeks ago.

Five kids attended today; one is out of the picture, exploring the classroom.
That's me with the cheesy grin.

Today there was a light rain, after months of dry days - and drought. No one came to class on their own, so at 3:55 I headed out to see if anyone wanted to come. We made it back to class around 4:15 to find the substitutes there and ready to go. It's true that there are some children who are more difficult when it comes to discipline, and I find myself considering not going by their home, justifying in my mind that 'class is late.' But when I remind myself that all children need to loved and taught, not just the ones who are easy to be around, I stop by anyway.

How was class today? More teachers yielded better behavior, more unity (and ease for me). It's also becoming clear that the kids who have acted the toughest, are responding the most to consistency of having class, and the love the teachers show in their kindness and attention. The more the merrier!

Ayyam-i-Ha Party Attacts Crowd

This was an interesting day, to say the least. The other teacher and I arrived at 3:30, all bright eyed and bushy tailed to have an Ayyam-i-Ha party! We had 4 or 5 games picked out, prizes for some of the games, helium balloons for decorations, sports equipment for several sports and tons of extra snacks. Par-ty!

At 3:55 we were puzzled that no kids had come. Our most optimistic guess was that 20 kids might show up. Didn't everyone remember our speech last week about extra stickers for coming to class on their own, and that we were having a party? Didn't anybody notice the lovely weather and just stroll by the playground where we were? NO.

After consulting, we decided the other teacher would stay with the stuff, and I would round up kids. Even though it was 4:05, heck, maybe I could get the kids who often attend and be back by 4:15. Not.

I'll skip the details of conversations with kids and parents that I had along the way, but at 4:30, rounding the corner to head back to the playground, I called the other teacher to say, "Hey, I know we'll only have 30 minutes, but I'm coming and there are 8 of us on our way. Are any with you?" Ya, and we're playing. See you when you get here.

We formed a circle with about 20, none of whom were the regulars, and sang, O God! Educate These Children. A parent was there and heard this, plus our short and quick speech about the day, "We're celebrating Ayyam-i-Ha, which is a fun time, and it's sort of celebrating that spring is almost here (that was not well thought out, but covered the basics in a way that was in my best 'kid speak' and also my 'everyone here is Christian and most don't know about Bahá'í' yet.) While we were singing the prayer, I peaked to my left. One kid who had attended our class a few times was humming one note; well, her mouth was open so it wasn't like true humming, and the girl next to her was glaring at her. The glare said, "Shut up! You don't know the song, and I can't concentrate on it with that sound you're making!" (It wasn't even Lucy. This brings me back to elementary school every time. I always loved singing, even the cheesy, kiddie songs... they all were... and while I learned songs for the first time, I just mumbled or hummed. It's a kid thing I think.)

Much of what happened was regular party stuff. What was unusual was that we had a party in 30 minutes. By the end, there were close to 30 kids! We only managed to get 4 of the snack items passed out (the other 5 types of items can be used another time or taken back to the store). We had 3 organized games/activities, and 3 we didn't do. As 'Z' and I walked a few kids home - most walked themselves home - we both had a sense of survival and accomplishment. It truly was an interesting day.

Jingle All the Way

Last week, on February 25, class had a lot of harmony and unity. Things really clicked along and I actually enjoyed the class - pretty much from beginning to end.

We introduced a new rule: If you come to class on your own, you get two stickers for the attendance chart. If we have to come to your door and remind you, you still get one sticker. But please come here on your own!

The other teacher and I consulted about when we would have an Ayyam-i-Ha party, and had agreed to have it just after, rather than just before (since there were no Wednesdays for the holiday this year.)

The kids focused on the lesson so well. One indicator of this was that when I slipped to the back to prepare the snack, 1 or 2 did not follow me to see if I needed any help.

Thinking of the favorite thing today, a surprise and the least favorite is something I came up with on the fly years ago for wrapping up group activities. At times I'll utilize it here.

My least favorite thing was the feeling of dread when it was clear that we did not have enough cups, and so I was just going to have to improvise. (Of course, it all worked out and was no big deal.)

My favorite thing was also a surprise was when we started off class with our usual songs. I said something like, "Let's sing our song." And Lucy said, "Let's sing Jingle Bells!" I said, "Maybe we'll sing that later (knowing that would not be my intention, not if we had class for 5, 000 more years)." The other teacher and I proceeded to sing, and so did Lucy - much louder and Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way. As I write this it was 2 weeks ago and I'm still cracking up about it. We literally had 2 songs going, on top of each other, for about a minute.

Anyway, towards the end of class we mentioned the stickers again and announced that we were having a party next week. It would be really fun - everyone try to make it!



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What was the lesson today? The virtue of sacrifice.

"The mystery of sacrifice is that man should sacrifice all his conditions for the divine station of God." ~ from the Baha'i Writings

I Never Give Up!

Last week class began with the same two eager students, and then 4 joined half way through. One of the kids, Ron, had asked the week before about what the snack was. He remember to come today! That did add logistical challenges, but we just rolled with it. The other teacher had an emergency trip with his dog to the vet, so it was teaching solo time for me.

Class fell three days before Valentine's Day. The art was a banner on which they could write 'Happy Valentine's Day'. The kids traced hearts for each person in their home. We were going to put wads of tissue paper inside each heart, streamers on the bottom, and string on the back to hand on a door nob. Let's just say that I estimated 30 minutes, but we needed 60. Lordy.

(does anyone know how to rotate a photo in the blog?)

One child who is about 10 seemed like a 16 year old, trying to be tough, cool, hard core. (I'll call him Rocky.) He was one of the ones who showed up half way through class and resisted, misbehaved and provided a ripe distraction for the others for what seemed like 90 minutes... I wasn't frazzled, but my patience was stretched.

On my way home I reverted to the thought that is comforting at times, "Being there and teaching is enough, I can feel good about that." But my standards and expectations are so much higher. Having rules that are followed, consequences if they are not, cooperation, kindness, learning, fun and more. It's difficult to stay optimistic on days like today. I wonder if it might not be worth it. I walk away not feeling well suited for the task - focusing on others who are younger and more energetic. I question my abilities, not my motives, but my abilities.

I decided to keep going - to show up next week. There are only a handful of teachers, and thousands of kids who could use an after school or weekend class to focus on kindness, sincerity, truthfulness and to hear inspiring stories about the Central Figures of the Faith.

Our cheer, which was instituted for the kids, is "I have the strength of 10,000 Bengal Tigers. And I never give up!" Well, last week, I needed the chear for me.

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What was the lesson today? Love, Courtesy; we didn't get far, so the plan was to use this lesson the following week.

Virtue: Courtesy

A Good Snack

The class today felt really good. Two of the students who are most eager, and the best behaved were present. Both of us teachers were there, and even though we didn't recruit, we were both stuck in traffic and really only had time to set up the materials to be ready for who ever came.

Our routine of singing We Are Drops, and then singing a prayer, O God! Educate These Children went well, and there was a calm focus in our group of four. Tony chimed in after we were finished with a verse we made up after November 4th, when we all knew who our next president of the United States would be... "Barack Obama, is the President; he's the one, for us all. Come and join us in our quest for unity, it's a way of life for you and me."

I decided to introduce another song, since our singing was uplifting and everyone was on task. The song is Be Like the Earth, which is about humility. (Teaching the concept of 'humility' is one of the most challenging. Have you ever described what humility is?) Everyone liked it, and the other teacher had not heard of it before today either.

The lesson focused letting your soul be free, and not being bound by the fetters of this world. Tony had to leave early, but Zai stayed and was able to memorize the quote. That is extra gratifying for me. It's often chaotic, and we make progress, but no child memorizes the quote for the day. Once again Zai asked to copy the words to the songs. (This is really rewarding too.)

As I was driving home, I saw several kids playing at a nearby park. As I drove by slowly, I recognized a student who used to attend regularly, back when he was in elementary school. So I stopped, backed up, and rolled down the window. Ron shouted, "Hi Allison." I asked how he was doing, and he said, "Fine." Then he asked if class was over today... yes.

The very next thing Ron asked was, "What was snack today?" I described what it was - red liquorice and Valentine's candy - knowing that studies show that the snack is the highest rated part of any extra curricular class for kids... over the art, over the games, over the lesson... over everything. I told him that we're still having class on Wednesdays, and to come next week if he could.

As I drove off I had that content feeling. Contentment from doing enough for class today, contentment from having planned a quality lesson, and contentment from having a good snack.
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What was the lesson today?
Enjoying all that God has put on earth... the beauty of nature, tasty food, friendship, love, etc.
and not being a prisoner of these things

Virtue: detachment

"O My servant! Free thyself from the fetters of this world, and loose thy soul from the prison of self. Seize thy chance, for it will come to thee no more."
~ from the Baha'i Writings

Wow

At our last class there were 9 kids. Attendance is not the main measurement of success to me. A quality lesson, effective classroom management, and the children gaining something would rank right up there as #1 for m. All that's possible with just one student.

There was another teacher there, and we have been consistently working together for several months. This partnership is one of my favorite part of the class. I lean on him, and he leans on me. We accompany each other.

One little girl was there, who had attended a few times in 2008. I'll call her Zai, and she's probably 9. Zai is the youngest of three, and she added, "I'm the good one." Wow. The others are not doing well in school and have discipline problems. It's clear in our class that she is doing very well. She is: helpful, self-disciplined, interested, and helps encourage the others to stay on task.

After we sang, "When you Tell the Truth" she asked if she could copy down the words. Wow. That impressed me. She also remembered to take that paper with her. (Note to self: remember to bring more paper to the next class."

This entry is brief.... but I wanted to enter something after a class of wows that went so well.



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What was the lesson today?

Virtue: Not wasting time; not being slothful.

You did great today!

Last week and this week had similar themes for me: "We Shall Over Come". Well, in the grand scheme of things it was more like, "Don't sweat the small stuff."

Today I called the apartment office to remind them we were coming for class, and would it be open. Two weeks ago it was locked, and it was very discouraging not knowing if there was an off site meeting, or would they indeed return in time for us to set up, and have the class. By 4:05 the door was opened, we set up quickly, and began with 3 children.

This week I called in the morning and was told, "Yes," the office would be open. The door was locked when I arrived today. At least I had a little belief that they would return and we would have class. When I saw the note on the door that mentioned they were out, and to call one number for maintenance and 911 for emergencies, I decided to call maintenance - thinking they could unlock the door for me. The number was wrong! I decided to resist being discouraged.

My partner in crime, I mean the other teacher, was absent so my plan was to have the quote on the board, and the drink for snack time mixed in advance. No big deal, I would just prepare when I could. The office ladies returned at 3:45, so I was able to prepare most everything before kids arrived. Cindy was back, and a 10 year old who usually comes was too, Eddie.

Overall things went well today. The new outline keeps things moving a nice pace, faster than I'm accustomed to, but since it's so effective, I'm learning to adapt. The highlights today were: Eddie stayed on track with everything I had planned; I felt relaxed the entire time! When everyone left, on my way to my car, I saw Cindy outside with her parents. I waved good bye and she ran over to give me a hug. As I turned to leave I said to her, "You did great today, Cindy." She turned around, pointed at me, and with enthusiasm said, "YOU did great!" I walked to my car with my head up. I'm trying to encourage these kids, and they are encouraging me.

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What was the lesson today?
"Should prosperity befall thee, rejoice not, and should abasement come upon thee, grieve not, for both shall pass away and be no more." ~ from the Baha'i Writings

Virtue:
Contentment with the Will of God

What was the lesson last week?
"Be thou happy and well pleased and arise to offer thanks to God, in order that thanksgiving may conduce to the increase of bounty." ~ from the Baha'i Writings

Virtue:
thankfulness

Too Slow

Classes resumed today, after a winter break that lasted longer than expected. This was due to our attempts to have class on days early in December that were VERY cold, so kids didn't come; and the apartment office holding a holiday party on a day we planned to teach. When the class began in July of 2006, we decided to follow the elementary school schedule. Classes in the schools began this week.

It's kind of funny to have two teachers and one student, but that's what we had today. Sometimes there are 15 kids... In a free class, for which kids don't register, it goes with the territory. (In future entries I'll describe the logistics of the class, and why some constructs are the way they are.) The other teacher and I were eager to implement a cheer and a physical warm up. This was our strategy to keep the pace moving, and to hold the attention of the kids for the hour.

Our ONE student, we'll call Cindy, arrived and we were really happy. This does pose an interesting dilemma, When does class begin? Does it begin the moment the first student walks in, or at some point in the future that may never come when others arrive? The other teacher and I eagerly greeted Cindy. She stepped in the room, and said, "I'm thirsty" and stepped right back out to get a drink at the water fountain. When I was seven I vaguely remember the pull of the water fountain.... (that was such a long time ago.)

It was 5 minutes after our start time when she came back in, so we decided to start right away. As we verbalized to each other our question of whether Cindy knew the song we always sing at the beginning and looked at each other, she stood up and muttered, "I'm thirsty." The comment was loudly uttered, "You can get a drink at the break. Come back please." It had that desired quality of firm and polite. About 2 seconds after that she said, "I need to go to the bathroom." Those are the magic words. The training I've had of working with kids has convinced me to ALWAYS let kids go to the bathroom. As she left I hollered, "Wash your hands afterwards and then you can get a drink."

Cindy came back in and we asked her to sit down. The other teacher and I began singing. Cindy said a few unintelligible words throughout the song - her attempt to remember the words and tune and sing along. I had forgotten in 6 weeks that kids will often do that. They may not get one word, but they try! It's so endearing! (Adults never do that. Perhaps it's being inhibited, as we adults are.)

Then the pace down slowed, as we transitioned from the song to our new framework.... our cheer. Our ONE student began chatting continuously. She didn't take a breath. We couldn't divert her to begin the new cheer. She bravely defied us. One of us interrupted Cindy, trying to use polite and kind voices. We did redirect her and we taught her the cheer.

Between returning from getting water, and the cheer, several times she asked when we'd have the snack. (Now I remember. Cindy just loves the snack. Even if we see her outside before class begins, and she can't attend class that day, she asks for the snack.) I'm the older teacher, so often I take the lead on redirecting students. Each time the snack was brought up I'd say, "At the end. Close to 5 o'clock." Then she asked again. This time my reply was, "I'll be the one to let everyone know when we're having our snack. I won't forget. I'll tell you. You won't have to ask." (My mother used similar directions with us. I think I'm turning into my mother.) About 3 minutes went by, and she asked about the snack. I looked at her and gently reminded her, "Who's going to tell you when it's time for the snack?" and she said, "You" and I said, "That's right" and we went back to the lesson.

Almost from the beginning of the class, Cindy was asking about coloring (in addition to asking about getting a drink and the snack). Now it was time to color! She was READY! We were ready too! She asked if me if I was going to color. I mentioned that since I'd be telling the story, it would be difficult to read and color. That seemed to make sense to her. The other teacher would be, though.

It didn't seem to matter that the story was going to be about fairness, she immediately began to color a sun, a heart.... several hearts. Then it was wrapped gifts. I held my tongue. When Cindy asked why the other teacher wasn't coloring, he said that he was waiting to hear the story before beginning to draw. (That was excellent modeling.)

The story was read, comments about the coloring and the story were made and it was a nice time of connecting as teachers and student, and thinking of fairness. That was the lesson: fairness. After that, the moment Cindy had been waiting for - SNACK! We multi-tasked completing drawing, putting the supplies away, getting the snack and eating the snack.

Eating and finishing the snack seemed to signal to Cindy that class was over. We hadn't mentioned it, but before we knew it, she was at the door and saying good bye. I was dazed and confused... I had not dismissed 'the class' and we had not said our good byes. It wasn't even 5 o'clock yet. We never manage to finish on time, much less early.

"Wait! Cindy! Come back so we can have a prayer and all leave together."

We were not sure at first what we heard as the door closed, but quickly realized.... she said,

"Too slow."

(This was one of those situations that the teachers shouldn't laugh, but we had to laugh at her spunky, brave taunt.)

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What was the lesson today?

Virtue: fair(ness)

"We ask God to endow human souls with justice so that they may be fair..."
~ from the Baha'i Writings