Overcast Skies and White Queens

This morning's weather was overcast and moody. The air was somewhat warm, but there was a chilly breeze. Almost how I imagine Washington state would be. You know it's daytime only because of your watch, not because the Sun betrays its hiding place.

The day went surprisingly quickly. I didn't have time to be bored in class. Not really, at least. Some parts of the day drag for me. Usually, it's the space between 11:15-12:30 (bookwork and reading with the 6-year-olds), and my second afternoon class. 4:50-5:50. We have less material to cover and I try to spread it out so I don't get conned into playing games half of the time. I want to be a good teacher as well as a fun one. A class of only games doesn't benefit anyone. (Unless the games are educational.) I disguise learning vocabulary as hangman. I let them look at the list of words for a few seconds, to get an idea or hint of what the answers would be, then we play with the least. Each students gets a few words and then we discuss them and make sentences. Points are awarded some days (and some days the point system seems silly, so we skip that.) It's cute when they get excited about playing hangman. They have no clue they're learning ^_^

Two weeks and three days.

Since I'm thinking of it, I want to share something that is a great blessing. And something, mom, that I know you'll be proud of.

It's been my goal to teach all of my students about one of my favorite book series, The Chronicles of Narnia. I revised the story for easier comprehension on the my older students' monthly tests. They've come to appreciate the story and actually look forward to what happens next. One boy missed a test and he asked to see the passage so he could catch up on the plot.

I accidentally ordered a children's/comic book version of the The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. I meant to buy the paperback to give to a friend. For some reason, Amazon.com didn't specify that they were sending me a picture book with an abridged story. I thought it was useless until I realized how great it was to share with the 6-year-olds.

I read the books to them periodically over the last month. They were enthralled. This story captivates people. It's so powerful. But of course it would be - the story of Jesus, told in any manner is thrilling. So here were these children, gathered around and sitting up on their knees to understand the story more fully. 'What happened to Aslan?'
'Is the Witch bad?'
'Margy Teacher, what is 'stone'?'
'What boy has the sword?'

When I got to the part where Aslan dies, they were almost in tears. Their little faces knotted with worry. Then I turned the page and he was alive again - such relief and happiness! Every time I would close the book to continue with the day, they would sit there, a little stunned, trying to let it all sink in. Then the questions would flood again.

Today, after lunch, I returned to the classroom to find them huddled in two different groups. One circle of children had Sandy at the center and she was booming commands in her precocious English. She turned to me and said, 'I'm the White Queen, Margy Teacher! And they're all dead!!'

A little gruesome, I know, but it struck a chord with me. My little students loved this story so much that they were playing it when I wasn't in the room!

I was able to tell them that Aslan was like Jesus. Max goes to church with his family and so could chime in and explain who Jesus was. They let this sink in as well. I only hope that they'll remember these books and read the whole series when they grow and learn more English. I hope that they're intrigued by C.S. Lewis and want to know more of the author's works; maybe then they'll turn to the inspiration for the books. Oh, I hope I've done something good.