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That would explain the forty extra pounds. Maybe I’m stuck in some sort of ST:TNG “Cause and Effect” loop. Either way, it’s that time of the year where I’m supposed to reflect and give something up to show restraint and mostly self-abuse myself. I would like it to involve me getting less fat, but if you have any ideas, feel free to add it it to… THAT’S RIGHT! THE NEW POLL!
(I love polls.)
| Category: General, School Daze | 0 Comments
The second grade show comes every year at the end of February, and every year I promise myself I won’t get too attached. But it’s these kinds of productions that make me proud and happy to be in my profession.
Daaaaaammmnnn those little cherubs for sucking me in. This year, the second grade proudly offered “Bugz.” I’m not exactly sure what the show was about, because the kids were so freakin’ adorable.
This is not a walk-on stage, sing three songs, bow, and walk off. Friends, this is a full-on, only slightly-off Broadway production involving costume changes, full lights, and yes, jazz hands, jazz legs, and jazz tentacles. This that the last three weeks have involved extra rehearsals where the music teacher steals my children for 15 minutes here, 30 minutes there. Suddenly, the last two weeks of February have passed, and I don’t remember the last time I taught social studies. (Just kidding, I never teach social studies. Wait, I mean I always teach social studies, as in I almost have a minor in it.)
The “story” revolved around all the insects working on getting to the picnic, making puns, and ignoring the stink bug. Eventually, of course, they accept the stink bug for who he is, blah, blah, blah, all learn a lesson, and get to eat lots of food. The highlights included:
1)Glitter. Dear God, the glitter. The butterfly costumes were made out of cheap plastic picnic table covers, and then doused with Elmer’s glue. Here’s a Martha tip for all y’all: GLUE DOESN’T STICK TO CHEAP PLASTIC PICNIC TABLE COVERS. But when you don’t check to see if the glue sticks, you can’t possibly know that. When the butterflies and ladybugs put their costumes on (IN MY CLASSROOM) the glitter did mot make it to the stage. It stayed on my floor, where I am still finding pieces, a week later.
2) The fireflies brought flashlights, and during their song, they walked around the audience, singing. Me heart done melted.
3) The ladybug tune, in which the ladybugs teach everyone manners, and the entire crew sings a squared-out version of “She’s a Lady”, complete with shimmies and girl-like moves for everyone.
4) Yes, the songs were cheesy, but dear Lord, when the butterflies took off their second layer of costume (white garbage bags) during their “Things Change” number and unfurled their wings, well, golly gosh, I’m not ashamed to admit there was a lot of dust in my eyes.
I would post pictures, but that’s illegal without permission. This show kicked last year’s butt, and the kids worked hard and did a terrific job. Being a big proponent of multiple intelligence theory, the musical allowed students who don’t always shine academically a chance to demonstrate that their are other ways to be involved and contribute to developing our community of learning (Gag if you must, but I believe in that crap.)
Next up, a discussion of subtraction with regrouping.
