This past Wednesday was Connor's school Thanksgiving event. It was insane, packed, crazy, and loud. I could barely stand it. But Connor was truly impressive and made it all worthwhile.
His class recited a little ditty on the "ABC's of the First Thanksgiving" (this is a rerun of first grade but with no cute indian headdresses). Connor's letter was "X" which included something interesting about how the Pilgrims were eXcited about something (not having smallpox or scurvy, I'd say). Connor also had responsibility for the conclusion and thank you speech, which I knew because he'd been rehearsing it...
C: Mom, want to hear my thank you speech for the "ABC of the First Thanksgiving"? I'm in charge of them you know.
D: Sure.
C: Okay. Watch. I stand like this. (puts his hands to his sides as soldier) And then I say..THANK YOU FOR COMING TO OUR CLASS PRESENTATION OF THE ABC'S OF THE FIRST THANKSGIVING. WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE SHOW. HAVE A NICE AFTERNOON. (takes a deep bow like a low level Japanese auto executive would when meeting Mr. Toyota)
D: Wow! That's awesome.
C: Did you like the bow?
D: Yes, I loved it.
C: Well, don't you think the other kids should bow too? Isn't that what you do at a show?
D: Sure.
C: Well, they won't. Only Evan will. I've told them that we should do a bow. But those kids mom, most of them, they stand there when it is over like they're on line to buy a hot dog.
This last comment, of course, cracks me up and sends me into hysterics which only serves to frustrate him further and we spend the next 5 or so minutes discussing why the other kids in his class won't bow. And, of course, practicing a real stage bow with hands clasped, swung high, and then brought down in a dramatic swoosh.
At the performance about 10 kids do the bow. Afterward his teacher tells me the following:
1. There was no conclusion/wrapup/thank you in the text of the presentation. But Connor ABSOLUTELY put his foot down about and she said since he felt so strongly she let him write it himself and was very impressed that he used the word "presentation" .
2. Did I notice the bow? (Of course-see above) Well, the bow was very important to him and he was very upset that the whole class would not bow--even though she explained to him many times that the kids are not all like him and many of them are shy and can barely get through their little piece, nevermind a flamboyant, physical demonstration such as a stage bow. Regardless, though, she said that he had been working the classroom like a politician for the past week-desk to desk-to try to convince them all to bow.
What does this say about my first-born? Many things, I think. But I'll let you decide. One thing I know for sure is that I am having the best time watching him grow and become the man he will be.
This last comment, of course, cracks me up and sends me into hysterics which only serves to frustrate him further and we spend the next 5 or so minutes discussing why the other kids in his class won't bow. And, of course, practicing a real stage bow with hands clasped, swung high, and then brought down in a dramatic swoosh.
At the performance about 10 kids do the bow. Afterward his teacher tells me the following:
1. There was no conclusion/wrapup/thank you in the text of the presentation. But Connor ABSOLUTELY put his foot down about and she said since he felt so strongly she let him write it himself and was very impressed that he used the word "presentation" .
2. Did I notice the bow? (Of course-see above) Well, the bow was very important to him and he was very upset that the whole class would not bow--even though she explained to him many times that the kids are not all like him and many of them are shy and can barely get through their little piece, nevermind a flamboyant, physical demonstration such as a stage bow. Regardless, though, she said that he had been working the classroom like a politician for the past week-desk to desk-to try to convince them all to bow.
What does this say about my first-born? Many things, I think. But I'll let you decide. One thing I know for sure is that I am having the best time watching him grow and become the man he will be.
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