That’s right. I forgot. I forgot how hard it was to write lesson plans, create learning centers, and gather up all the materials. I am teaching my Young Authors Workshop in Boston next week during school vacation. I have six little gifted authors and want to give them a great writing experience.
Two months ago I sat down with books and wrote the lesson plan for all five days by hand. I was really excited about the design of the course and the activities. Since I didn’t have to teach it until April, I felt smugly done. Now April is here. I set aside today and tomorrow to do the artwork for the center signs and type up the lessons. Well, I clearly forgot how long that took.
I went to fit club and did all my errands to prepare for next week. I’m staying with a lovely host family and needed to get all my food and medications to take with me. I arrived home at noon, just as I planned. So cozy. Soup for lunch on a damp rainy day. News, soap operas, and hot coffee. I figured I’d start to work on the artwork at two. I started right on time….and didn’t finish until seven. Finished for the day, that is.
All the centers displayed on my dining room table, sign on the easel, I ventured to the computer to type the plans. Wow. I got to day three and my shoulders ached so much I had to click, save, and leave it for tomorrow. And there are still things I have to pick up at the store, pack my clothes, and package everything into a traveling classroom. Phew. I can’t believe this was my everyday life three years ago.
When I started this project (check out the iTeach button on the left) all I could remember was the excitement of teaching children new things, the joy I get out of seeing their uniqueness and creativity, coupled with that moment when the light flips on and they “get it”. I remembered the fun they have making a complete mess when they are so immersed in their work. I remembered the pride they exhibited sitting in that authors chair when it was their turn to share their literary creation. The one thing I didn’t remember was the hours of work it took to create those experiences. Remembering teaching is like remembering childbirth – you know – that part where you forget the pain?
And so, as another day goes by, sitting here now, I realize all the children the children in my life have always brought more joy than pain, and…I have written.
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