Thursday, July 12, 2007

Cattle dog...

This is Shadow, the Avalanche Ranch cattle dog. She was our mascot yesterday. She reminded us that "God is With Us". I have to say, I like her hat.

I wish I had a follow-up quote from the first grader of Tuesday, but I don't. I have 37 first graders in this group. Actually, they're GOING into the first grade. All in one group.

I feel like a cattle dog sometimes. Luckily, I'm not the only Cattle Dog. There are 3 of us and at times we have Teenage helpers.

37 firstgraders. It just blows my mind.

Over the last few days, I've only really gotten to know a few of them. Today, at one of our "centers" the center leader asked for the kids to go give their teacher a big hug. It was sweet, I was mobbed. I felt special for that one giggly group hug because I haven't been able to have that one-on-one time that builds relationship. So it was fun to have so many hugs. You just never know when you're shining a light.

There have been interesting learning moments over the last few days. My Father-in-law told The Professor that our kids would have to learn about the real world one day. I watched the "real world" this week, in two little boys. They met up with some kids that have obviously been to church much! The two worlds didn't quite mix. For instance today a little girl came and said "Everytime I talk, he ....." and she mimicked him moving his mouth in a hateful way.

That's when it would have been nice to have less people around to talk about why we don't do things like that.

I also thought about school teachers. It is no wonder that at school it's sit down and hush and don't move. If you let ONE kid free, others will follow and soon you lose control. We start with one end of the line quiet, and by the other end of the line gets going, there's noise. It felt like cattle herding. Or maybe herding cats.

I'm so glad that I can have the one-on-one time with my kids. I don't feel like I'm getting enough into their hearst and heads, but I know that what I am getting in - it's sticking. Because there aren't 36 other kids that have to be "herded".

I'm sure this could preach. But at the moment, I'm afraid it's turning more into a rambling than cohesive post.

I'm so glad that God is Strong!

Even for 37 First graders.

10 comments:

Paula Vince said...

What a great job you're doing at Vacation Bible School. The thought of you getting mobbed by all those little bodies wanting hugs is great.
Your father-in-law sounds as if he's from the old school of thought like my parents and in-laws. I don't know if their generation will ever see things quite the way we do. Set in their ways.
Thanks for your comments on my new blog. I always love it when you come to visit.
Have a great weekend,
Paula

Katie said...

37 1st graders? Wow. You are one brave lady!

Dapoppins said...

My family says the same thing about the "real world" Yeah. There's time for that.

justjuls said...

Hi there!
Thanks for your post - you made ME think. I understand the differences you pointed out in the Scrooge and Harry Potter - however, there are several versions of Scrooge/A Christmas Carol - and in the original - Scrooge is not visited by Christmases past, present and yet to come - but he leaves his body and flies out over the city and travels through time - an occultic practice called astral projection.
It is always good to evaluate things. Iron sharpening iron is the best way to learn - if people will discuss and not be offended.

Have a great VBS week - a/k/a the longest week of summer for the workers!

TobyBo said...

*37* first graders? Ack. I used to teach first grade. They can be a bit much en masse... everyone with dirty hands, wiggling loose teeth, usually a girl who chews her hair or twists her earring continuously... hope the week has finished well for you.

KarenW said...

37 rising first graders is a lot of kids! I used to teach kindergarten and 20 was a roomful. I hope you had lots of help!

Henny Penny said...

Maybe you need a cattle prod? ;o)

The hugging part sounds good...

Anonymous said...

I am a teacher, and 37 first graders would be rough for me!! What a crazy week for you! Sounds like there were an assortment of lessons learned at VBS. You just never know what God can use. :)

Halfmoon Girl said...

We just finished the same program and had a wrap up in the Sunday service. I helping out at VBS. Because my littlest is too small to join the groups, I was a "side rider" again this year and floated around, helping where needed. It was lots of fun. You must have a bigger program than us, as we had about 80 kids altogether0 definitely not as many gr ones!

Anonymous said...

Hello!
I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for your heart-warming comment.. I loved the title!

I am still a bit sad over the whole thing because it was not my intention to be harsh.

Thank you so much! Thank you a thousand clean (bleach free) pairs of jeans!

Love, Jocelyn

Read my latest posts:
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