October 1 at 7:16am
This year I decided to add all my recess stories to a note, for posterity!
And now, for the continuing saga of "As The Playground Turns"
September 9, 2011
Me: 'Z'! Hey what was the mystery from last year, remember, you showed me three things and said it was a mystery. Did you ever figure it out?
Shadow: No, not really.
Me: New games this year
Shadow: Yeah,
Me: No hugging and kissing though, right?
Shadow: Right, I'm not going to do that anymore, Mrs. Carson has already gotten on me about that.... I need to get my body under control.
*
First Grade Recess: A boy and girl are playing tag, the girl runs off the wood chips and on to the black top giggling. The boy, stops dead still like he ran into a force field when he got to the black top. "HEY! WE'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO RUN ON THE BLACK TOP!!!", watches as the girl makes a big arc on the black top and back onto the grass. When she hits the grass, he runs across the wood chips to tag her... I love my First Graders!!
September 14, 2011
After clapping 5 times to get the 1st grader's attention, we went over once again what to do and what the penalty would be if they did not follow directions. The kids started in and one boy said to me:
"Boy, you are good at this."
Me: "Thanks, I've had lots of practice!"
September 15, 2011
2nd grade recess, Tracy and I are scanning the playground looking for our wild ones. We spy my Shadow apparently hugging a girl.... "I got it."
Me: "What are you doing?"
Shadow: "We are trying to set up camp and we don't want them to ruin it."
Girl: "They told us that if we wanted them to chase us, we had to come find them."
Me: "You WANT them to chase you?"
Girl: "Yeah, it's kinda fun."
Shadow: "I'm not doing that any more, I'm just playing war. I'll play war every day.. all the time..."
September 19, 2011
Tracy looks over and sees Shadow and the other kid."Oh no, what are they doing?" Me: "They're just setting up camp, like last time. Okay, I'll go see."
Me: "Setting up camp I see."
Shadow: "Yeah, hey, did you see my shoes? They make a neat bang when I stomp" proceeds to stomp but gets only a muffled thump because he's on sand and pea gravel and weeds. "Well, it's louder some times."
Then when they line up to go to lunch, Tracy says: "Z, the time for jumping has ended, it's time to stand still." I go over and and he looks up and says, "See, a big bang!"
September 20, 2011
'T', a 2nd grader: Mrs. Hause, 'A' won't let me be the boss.
Me: What game are you playing?
T: Robots.
Me: Who made it up?
T: He did, but it doesn't matter...
Me: Is it from yesterday?
T: Yes, No, but it doesn't matter...
Me: Why don't you ask him if you can take a turn at being the boss?
T: Because, why can't we have a game without a boss?
Me: Because that would be anarchy and that is never good.
T: I DON'T even know WHAT you are talking about..
October 1 at 7:16am
Yesterday on the playground was a busy day...
My Shadow comes and stands next to me while I try to figure out why this other boy wants to play with a group of boys who always make him mad....he runs off to play with those boys... go figure.
<p>Shadow: Mrs. Hause, we moved our camp to over there, we've been collecting sticks and grass stuff (crab grass) and we're putting it in there, do you want to come in and get warm?" ("there" is the dome made from metal bars and circles) </p><p>Me: "Well, I don't think I can fit in there."</p><p>Shadow: "Sure you can, come on over."</p><p>Me: walking with him to the dome "Nope, I think I'm too big"</p><p>Shadow: "Well, here, just put your hand in so you can feel how warm it is." A little girl has joined his game, and she's in the dome all smiles, arranging more grass.</p><p>I put my hand in: "Oooooh, that IS warm."</p><p>The wind picks up</p><p>Shadow: "TAKE COVER!! TAKE COVER!! THE STORM'S COMMING!!!"</p>I just left him and his friend to his wonderful imagination!
October 10, 2011
I wish I had my camera at school today. We had a Rainbow Prism or "Sun Dog" The neatest thing about it was that there was a beam of white light coming from the prism, that arched around 2/3 of the playground from the south to the northeast sky. Then I hear behind me:
Girl: Look, a little rainbow.
Boy: Where?
Girl: Up there, see, it's just little...
Boy: That's a schism.
October 12, 2011
Yesterday I had a pushing incident with a couple 1st grade boys, one really big boy and one really little boy. After talking it out, and apologizing, the little boy hung close to me looking on the verge of tears.
Me: What's wrong.
Little boy: Do you give second chances?
Me: I always give second chances.
Little boy: Can I PLEASE have a second chance? My teacher will be really really really mad at me. Please don't tell my teacher, I don't want to turn my card. (tears are welling up...)
Me: Of course you can have a second chance. I don't need to tell your teacher, because we settled it out here.
Little boy: But he said he was still going to tell, eventhough he accepted my apology.
Me: Your teacher knows that if I don't come to her, it's settled, and she will tell him he can't talk about it any more. If you would like, I will let her know that it's settled.
He nodded his head, and got a hug.
I wish all the kids were this remorseful!
October 14, 2011
Today at recess we had dark (not black) clouds and lots of wind. During Second Grade recess, kids kept coming up to me:
Mrs. Hause, are we having a tornado?
Me: No, there is no tornado, it's just windy
Kids: Mrs. Hause, it that the tornado siren?
Me: No, that's a leaf blower over in the park.
Kids: Mrs. Hause, are we having a tornado? I hear the tornado siren.
Me: No tornado, it's just windy and that noise is the leaf blower in the park.
Shadow: Mrs. Hause!! We are having a tornado!
Me: Really Z?
Shadow: Yeah, there was one over at my dad's house it blew the branch down off the tree....
Me: Z, when did this happen?
Shadow: ....... When I was in 1st grade.....
October 18, 2011
5th grade recess. Two girls come running up to me...
Girl 1: Mrs. Hause, T called C the "H" word.
Me: The "H" word? (Now the only "H" word I can think of is more of a sending place than a name calling.)
Girl 1: Yeah, we were lining up and he called her the "H" word.
Me: The "H?" word?
Girl 1: *sigh* tell her.
Girl 2: I'm not saying it.
I'm still befuddled on what was so bad....
Girl 1: *groan* You know.... (whispers) "H" . "O". "E"....
October 21, 2011
Always check for my Shadow to make sure he's being good, (he has a reputation you know) and so far this year, he has. Yesterday I saw three girls grabbing him and pulling him and running after him. He stops, turns and roars into each girl's face. A few seconds later, they come running to me to tell me that "Z" was grabbing and pulling them.
Me: Wait a minute, I was watching the whole thing, You guys were the ones pulling and grabbing.
They looked at each other and left. I went over to talk to Shadow
Shadow: I wasn't doing anything to them.
Me: I know, but why were you growling at them?
Shadow: They wouldn't leave me alone.
Me: Did you ask them to stop?
Shadow: Yes I did.
Me: Okay, the next time they do it, they will get a time out.
I go to let Tracy know what these girls are doing, so she doesn't jump on Shadow. While we are talking, the girls come back, and Shadow gets in their faces, pointing and looking at us. (We are far enough away that we can't hear what he's saying) The girls look at us and we nod... They walk away, and stay clear of him the rest of the recess.
*
2nd grade recess is over and they line up for lunch. Shadow calls me over....
Shadow: Mrs. Hause, I found an egg.
Me: (Thinking oh my goodness where did he get this?) Cool, where did you find it.
Shadow: (he pulls a small black rock with rusty colored markings out of his pocket) At my house. It's haunted you know.
Me: No I didn't know that.
Shadow: Yeah, and this egg is from a creature that lives there. It's gray with no eyes.
Me: Really!?
Shadow: Yeah, and it's got scratches.
Me: Does it scratch you?
Shadow: No, but I have scratches, just like it does.
October 23, 2011
Today, during 1st grade recess we had a broken shoulder, a sprained ankle and a broken leg. Amazingly, they were all able to run to get in line for lunch when the bell rang!
October 25, 2011
I did have another Shadow story, but... even I can't understand it.....
It had something to do with bad guys, robbers, theives, and people being pythons....
October 26, 2011
The day, today was cold and gray. The clouds were thick, but not real heavy. Although the look of the playground was a little surreal it was not hazy.
Shadow: Mrs. Hause it's like Fall out here.
Me: Well, yeah, it should be it's the end of October!"
Shadow: No, I mean Fall... you know when they come down....
I looked puzzled
Shadow: When the clouds come down...
Me: Oh yeah, fog. It does almost look foggy doesn't it.
Shadow: Yeah, and it smells like it too!
October 27, 2911
I have watch in the shape of a ladybug that I have clipped to my whistle. If you pinch the antenna together the wings open to reveal a watch face. The kids at school love it.
Today, a third grade girl came up and said: I need to open this, I like to do it.
Me: Okay, what time is it.
Girl: Tweeellllve........ fifteen.
Me: Very good.
Girl: Of course, I'm in third grade, they teach you how to read a clock in third grade.
Me: My daughter is 15 and a Freshman in high school, and she doesn't know how to read a clock.
Girl: (her jaw drops and eyes get big) Didn't she go to Third Grade???!!!!
October 28, 2011
We had an indoor recess today and so we watched some more of the movie Once Upon A Forest with the 1st graders. In the scenes of the "Funeral/He's back" there is a All Black Church Gospel service and celebration. I had 50 little kids dancing right along with them!! It was so cute.
November 1, 2011
We've had to call off the "Survivor Camp" game. Shadow is taking it far too seriously. He's not being very nice to people.
He told me that no one was being nice to him.
Me: Do you know how to get people to be nice to you?
Shadow: (shakes head)
Me: You be nice to them.
Shadow: I AM being nice to them... a little bit.
Then it got weird!
I saw him tackle a kid and throw him on the ground, so he got a time out. I went to talk to him....
Me: I think you are taking this a little too seriously.
Shadow: But they don't understand. I know something is going to happen. I can feel it in the wind. Something REALLY BIG is going to happen, and it's not good!
Me: Well, it's probably just a big snow storm...
Shadow: NO! I see things that other people don't! (I'm starting to think is he going to say "I see dead people"?) My house is haunted you know...
Me: Yeah, you told me that. Have you told your mom. Or have you told your dad?
Shadow: Yeah, but they don't see them. I can, cause I have part of God in me. I can control the weather. All this is because of me! I can just move the clouds this way and that way. (I'm making mental notes to talk to his teacher and starting to worry that this kid may need help!)
Me: Well, the other kids don't see things the way you do. Do you think you could just not pay attention to all that, so you can just have fun and play?
Shadow: (thinks a minute) Yeah, I can do that.
And off he ran.
November 2, 2011
Whew! that was a close one. Coming to tattle on yourself will get you a leaner sentence every time!!!
November 4, 2011
For the past week or so, two fith grade boys start tossing a football around on the black top.... Can't do that, too many kids trying to play foursquare or jump rope..... go to the grass.... Not near the school, too many windows, plus classes are in session.... move to the field, in the middle of the kids playing soccer..... GUYS!! There's a game going on here, move out to the BIG field, behind the Gaga pit.....
Finally they move out there.... This is the scenario every day!!!
Today:
Boy 1: Mrs. Hause!!! (waves football at me)
Me: Guys! Out there!! (I point to the designated area)
Boy 1: I know! We're going there! Aren't you happy?
Me: Yes I am, finally after a week...
Boy 1: It hasn't been a week.
Boy 2: Yeah, it's been two!
November 7, 2011
Second grade recess is in full gear. I hear girls screaming, so I start looking around to see what's up. I see three girls running with big smiles and, yeup, you guessed it, Shadow's in pursuit... but he stops, and turns around. The girls go back to where the boys are... taunting... Shadow starts after them, they turn, and run squealing as they go. Shadow stops short and goes back to what he's... doing. Once again, the girls come up toward the boys, Shadow starts after them, they run off screaming. Shadow chases them half way across the pea gravel and stops watching them with a big smile on his face. He sees me watching them, and point's his thumb in their direction and says:
I love it when they do that! (he turns to run back to where the other boy are.)
Me: Okay, just as long as.....(then, as I barely get it out...)
Shadow: NO, I'M NOT GRABBING (he yells over his shoulder, waving at me.)
Playground 2012-13
September 6
Back to school! Yesterday was Orientation Day. I spent the hour before recesses started going over the rules. When I was finished asking them questions I asked if there were any questions.
A fourth grader asked: Where is Mrs. Clemens?
Me: She graduated, she went to the Middle School with the 5th graders.
4th Grader: No, really.
Me: She graduated.
4th Grader: Seriously, where is she?
Me: She's at North Middle School.
1st grader (we knew her from last year...): Where is Mrs. Clemens?
Me: She's at North Middle school.
1st grader: Oh. Who are you?
Me: I'm Mrs. Hause! Don't you recognize me?
1st grader shakes her head...
Me: It's because of my sunglasses...(I took them off) See?
She smiled big and gave me a hug.
September 6 near Kalamazoo
4th Grade Girl comes to me today....
Why are you wearing that hideous vest that makes you look like a bright yellow traffic cone?
Me: You don't like it?
4th Grade girl: That is not a flattering color on anyone on the planet.
Me: I know, right, but if it were flattering on everyone, then it would be in fashion.
4th Grade Girl: But no one would wear a color like that because it's so hideous.
Me: ...
Exactly. If it were in fashion, everyone would be wear this color. Then, I wouldn't stand out.
4th Grade Girl: Why would you want to stand out?
Me: So you know where I am at all times on the playground, and so that the teachers can find me right away if they need me... otherwise, I blend in with you kids.
4th Grade Girl: I feel sorry for you....
September 6 near Kalamazoo
1st grader boy, "R" asks how to play the bucket game. He then shows me how he can kick the ball....
Me: Wow, you kick better than I do.
R: Well, you can come to my house and C and I will teach you.
Me: So, C is your brother...
R: Yeah, he's my Triplet.
Me: Triplet is three, so who is the other triplet?
R: Her, M.
M: WHAT?!?!
Me: You are R's other triplet.
M: Oh, Yeah.
September 7 near Kalamazoo
Today, we went over the rules for indoor recess in the Activity Area. With each group I had Kindergardeners and/or Young 5's mixed in with the older kids. We talked about how this is where we would come if it was raining hard outside, or if the temperature was below 0 in the winter.
In one of the groups, the Kindergardeners and Young 5's started asking questions.....
K'er #1: What if there is ...thunder?
Me: If I hear thunder I will start watching the sky for lightening and if I see lightening, we will come in here, right away.
K'er #2: What if there is a thunder storm?
Me: We will come in here.
K'er #3: What if there is a tornado?
Me: Well, we have procedures for for tornados, and we will follow those.
K'er #4: What if we are outside and there is a tornado?
Me: We will come inside as soon as we hear the tornado siren and your teachers will tell you what to do. But we don't need to worry about that right now.
K'er#5: But what if there is a tornado while we are in here?
Me: Your teachers will come get you and they will tell you what to do. Again, we don't need to worry bout that right now.
K'er #6: What if a tornado comes and knocks down the building?
Me: This building is very strong. We will be very safe here.
K'er #7: But what if there is a REAL tornado?
Me: We will have a tornado drill some day, and then you will know what to do. Until then, we don't need to worry about that. I can promise you that we will do everything we can to keep you safe.
September 10
5th Grader: Mrs. Hause, the new kid won't play GaGa right.
I look, and the kid is sitting on the rail.
5th Grader 2: We told him you can't sit on the wall and that he needs to get out, but he won't.
Me: Okay, everyone, there is no sitting on the wall. If you are out, you need to get out of the pit.
New Kid: I'm out, I'm just sitting here.
Me: You need to get out.
New Kid: I'm being the wall...
.
Me: You don't need to be the wall, we have walls. You need to get out.
New Kid: No I don't.
Me: Yes you do, and if I have to tell you again, I will get Mr. Zonts
New Kid: He doesn't care. He told me I could be the wall.
Me: Well then, I will discuss it with Mr. Zonts.
He pulls his feet up onto the rail and squats on the rail.
Me: I said to get out, that means all the way out.
New Kid: You don't play this game right.
Me: The rules are right there (and I point to a sign by the GaGa pit)
New Kid goes to look at the sign. Meanwhile, we have a school rule that there is no "turtle-ing" staying bent over with your arms swinging all the time, basically guarding your legs from getting hit.
Me: No Turtle-ing
New Kid: Why? It's not on the sign.
Me: We have a few rules that are not on the sign because we have problems with that here at this school.
New Kid: Well, it's not on the sign.
Me: We don't turtle.
New Kid goes off muttering....
I go off muttering....
September 13
There is a little boy in one of our kindergarden classes who does not speak English. I'm trying to learn a few Mandarin words so I can help him out some. The phonetic spellings of the words look nothing like how they are pronounced!!!
September 13 near Kalamazoo
Last year, one of our 2nd graders helped translate for one of our Chinese children at school. This year I told her I was thinking about learning Chinese. She said "Good! You can help me practice because I'm forgetting it."
Yesterday, I decided to really take the challenge to learn Chinese because one of our Kindergardeners doesn't speak English quite yet.
Today, I went to "A"
Me: "A", tell me what I said...kěyǐ bāng nǐ mā. (It means: Can I help you.)
A: (wrinkles her nose and tilts her head) You want to help my mom?
Okay, I was close. I got the numbers one and two - yī, èr down and also Come here -guòlái, and lunch - wǔfàn- And felt confident. When our Kindergardeners came out I asked his teacher how his English was. She said he is learning quickly, but there are still many many words he does not know. I told her my idea and she thought it was a good one!
I said: "nǐhǎo" (Hello) to him. He smiled and he stayed fairly close to me most of recess. When the bell rang I called all the kids in and he just meandered, and didn't move much.
Me: "K", guòlái!
He looked up with big eyes, smiled a little and followed me.
In the lunch line I said: wǔfàn yī? (held up one finger) or wǔfàn èr? (held up two fingers).
He gave me a little smile, but didn't say a word.
Maybe I asked if he was having monkey one or monkey two.....
September 14 near Kalamazoo
A third grade girl comes up to me and says: Mrs. Hause, two boys are doing violence to each other.
Me: They are doing violence?
Girl: Yes.
Me: What kind of violence?
Girl: Well... T thought that D said the "H" word, and he twisted his arm.
I went to D and verified that T did indeed twist his arm. So, D and I went to T: T, did you twist D's arm.
T: Well..... yes.
Me: Why?
T: I DON'T KNOW...!!
Me: What should be done about this?
T: Nothing?!
Me: Oh no, YOU will do something. What are you going to do?
T: Flip a card?
Me: That's a good idea, you'll flip a card. What else are you going to do?
T: I don't know....
Me: Don't you have something to say?
T: Sorry?
Me: Not to me, to D.
T: Sorry, D.
My first note to a teacher, and the first flipped card of the year.
September 14 near Kalamazoo
Kindergarden:
I told K "nǐhǎo". He just looked at me with an almost grin. When I blew my whistle for them to line up, K stood by the dinosaur he was playing on and looked up at me with a sideways glance. I looked at him and said: "guòlái". He gave a little grin and smirked all the way to the line. I then asked him: " yī," or "èr". He smirked at me again and put up one finger.
I think I'm making a friend.
September 18
I was sitting on the bench bandaging a busted knuckle when 2nd grader "M" came running up to me with a distraught face.
M: Mrs Hause, "B" is being mean to me.
"B" followed close behind.
Me: What is she doing?
B: I'm not doing anything.
"H" brought up the rear, and sat down next to me on the bench. (Back Story: "H" came new mid way through the 1st semester last year. She's Chinese, and spo...
ke very little English - one of the reasons I decided to learn Mandarin - "B" decided to take it upon herself to be her BFF and drag her all over the playground. "M" decided that that was not acceptable, and started to drag her all over the playground. The poor little thing looked like a pull toy!)
"M" and "B" continued with unintelligable tattling and explaining. I looked at "H"
Me: Hi "H"!
H: Hi
Me: How is it going for you?
H: Fine.
Me: Did you have a good summer.
H: Yes, it was fun.
Me: Are you being dragged all over the playground this year?
H: *big grin* No.
M: I want "H" to be behind me when we go down the slide because we are going to be best friends and "B" keeps going ahead of her.
Me: "H", do you care who is right infront or behind or beside you?
H: No.
Me: Okay, sounds good to me. You can go play and have fun if you want to.
H: Okay, Bye! (she takes off with one of the boys)
I turn my attention back to the other two.
Me: Girls, we are NOT going to start this "Mean Girls" stuff again.
B: I don't want to. I don't want to have 1st grade all over again. I said I was sorry, she said "okay" then she came to tell on me.
Me: If you forgive someone when they say I'm sorry, you don't go tattle. It's over. You solved it yourselves, so drop it and play nicely.
"M" starts crying: I'm not being mean, it's just that....
Me: Did "B" say she was sorry? Did you say "okay".
"M" *sob*: Yes.
Me: Then lets drop it. Don't come to me to complain if you've settled it on your own. I'm glad you settled it on your own, that's a good thing! Now go play, and no more "Mean Girls"!
They go running off. And I look up and there is Mr. Fitzpatrick, the school Psycologist, smiling.... just waiting his turn to ask me a question.
September 19
My little Chinese friend didn't need any prompting.... Until we got to the line for lunch.
Me: "K", which lunch?
K: (slight smirk)
Me: Lunch 1 (hold up one finger) or Lunch 2 (hold up two fingers)
K: (slight smirk)
Me: (roll eyes) wǔfàn yī? (held up one finger) or wǔfàn èr? (held up two fingers).
K: (bigger smirk, holds up two fingers).
September 20
This adorable, tiny little kindergardener with a LOOOONNNGGG blonde ponytail came running up to me, and gave me a big hug.
O: Mrs. Hause, Come on!! (she grabs my hand) Comeon-comeon-comeon-comeon-co
meon. (we took off running! me, not by choice!!)
Me: Where are we going?
O: Come watch me climb the mountain.
We go to the "mountain" and she starts climbing up.
O: Come on Mrs. Hause, climb wi...
th me!!!
Me: Oh, I can't. It's too big. I'll get scared.
O: No you won't, I won't get scared. Come on!! Oh no! I can't go higher. (she starts to come down, but can't figure out her footing) Can you help me?
Me: Sure Sweetie. (I lift her down)
She grabs my hand. "Comeon-comeon-comeon-comeon-c
omeon." (we took off running again!)
Me: Where are we going now?
O: To the jungle!!
Me: The jungle?
O: Right here is the jungle. (she brings me to the metal igloo)
Me: Whew! I'm going to rest here, and sit on the outside of the jungle while you go in.
O: Be careful! There are lions!
Me: LIONS!!!????
O: Yes, but they are just in here. (she crawls out grabs my hand again) Let's go! Let'sgo-Let'sgo-Let'sgo-Let'sgo... and off we go running across the woodchips untill my alarm goes off telling me it's time to call them in for lunch!
September 20 near Kalamazoo
I'm taking Young 5's into lunch, and I'm holding the hand of the little boy who is first in line.
B: I'm going to be your line partner today, aren't I?
Me: Yes you are.
B: Mrs. Hause, you aren't wearing your tennis shoes.
Me: No, I'm not.
B: Why?
Me: I decided to wear these shoes instead. Do you think I should be wearing tennis shoes?
B: Yes, that would be better.
September 21
1st Grade recess looked like a mini youth convention with little prayer circles all over the place, complete with the "Laying on of Hands"! (this is a long one, you may want to go get a cup of coffee...)
As I returned to the playground from taking the 5th grade to lunch I got a call on the walkie-talkie: "Panini" forgot her sweater, could I bring it in. Mrs. Doorlag pointed out a boy on the bl......
ack-top with about four or five children gathered tight around him. I called back that "Panini" would have to come get it herself after luch, I had stuff to take care of. I get to the group and a little guy is lying on the black top crying.
Me: What happened? Everyone, move back.... give him some air!... Go play!!
Boy: (through tears) I fell and hurt my knee.
He shows me his knee, and the scrape is bleeding pretty good, and it's much bigger than my bandage supply can handle, so I take him inside and pass him off to an Aide.
I get back outside, and see Pat surounded by kids with a crying girl in the middle.
Me: What happened? You guys go play.
Girl: *sob, sup* pushed me!
Pat: She didn't get pushed, she fell on her tummy.
I leave her with Pat, turn around and I'm greeted by a girl: Someone got hurt.
I look up and see five girls gathered around a crying girl walking toward me.
Me: What happened? Back up everyone, give her some air! Go play.
Girl: I fell off the mountain and hurt my side.
Me: Do you need to go get ice?
Girl: No, I'll be okay.
Me: You can sit on the bench and rest a bit if you want.
Girl: Okay.
I turn and walk past the swings and large slides and see a group of kids huddled in the field. As I get closer, I see they have their arms around a kid sitting on the ground.
Me: What's going on?
Girl: "S" is crying.
Me: Well, back up give him some air. Why don't you guys go play.
"S" give me your hand, stand up and tell me what happened.
S: *sup* "T" won't play with me. She said she would. She said I can't play with them.
Me: Well, maybe they are in the middle of a game. Where is "T".
S: Over there. (He points to the small equipment where the kids I just sent away are playing.)
Me: Was she one of the kids that was over here?
S: *nodds head*
Me: "T" can "S" play with you guys.
T and the other kids: Yea... He can play.... We asked him to play...
"S" goes off to play with the kids, and I walk away shaking my head. I see kids on the ground, surounding another kid near the zip line.
Me: What's going on, back up, give her some air....
Kid: "J" pushed me too hard.
I look over and the girl with the hurt tummy, is still crying on the bench. I go over to her and ask if she had been playing on the zip line. She had... meanwhile, kids are dropping off the zip line like flies.
I go back over to the zip-line telling the kids that I think it's time to leave the zip line alone, and I'm met by a kid. "I fell off of that too, but I'm not hurt."
Me: Well, You, and some others, look like you are trying to fall off. If you aren't ready to fall, it can hurt when you do. Besides, you give one push to get them started if they ask for help, you don't push them running the whole length of the line.
I look up and there are a group of boys gathered around another lying on the ground. Out to the field I go....
Me: What happened? Guys, move back!!
T: "G" tackled him.
Me: You know there is no tackling, just touch.
G: I went like this (he pushed "N" and "N" moved about a foot to the side.
Me: Okay, that's too hard. "C" are you okay?
C: I hit my head.
Me: Go get ice.
Thankfully, just then, the bell rang.
September 21 near Kalamazoo
1st Grade recess was much quieter today. The only thing that happened was that a boy was climbing the monkey bars and his foot slipped. He straddled the bar..... hard.... not intentionally..... He slowly rolled off the bar and landed in a lump in the wood chips. By the time I got to him he was sitting up, in a fetal position.
Me: Are you okay?
Boy: No, I fell and hit my...
Me: I saw. Can y...
ou get up? (I gave him my hand and he got to his feet.) Do you want to go get ice?
Boy: Yes.
I called the office on my walkie-talkie and told them: "Z fell on the monkey bars, he's coming in for ice."
I watched him sllloooowwwwlllyyyy walk across the playground. He got to the black top by the time most kids would be walking in the door.
I called the office again: Office, he's coming. He's moving pretty slow, but he's coming.
Mr. Zonts comes on the radio: This is Mr. Zonts, I'm on my way out to the playground, where is the person who needs help getting to the office.
Me: He just went in the door. His foot slipped while he was climbing the monkey bars... if you get my drift.
Mr. Zonts: I... *gulp* ah, I get your drift!
September 21 near Kalamazoo
3rd Grade recess....
"D" is lying on the ground crying. "J", "N" and "AJ" (all of Shadow Story fame) are standing around.
Me: What happened "D"
D: I tripped over that, flipped and landed here and hit my head.
J (my re-enactor): Yeah, he went like this, and then his foot went like this and he went 'whoooooaaaaa' and then went like and landed like that.
Me: You did a somersault? (D nodded) Wow! I'm impressed. That shows great talent! (D grins a little) Can you stand up? (he nods) Are you okay?
D: yeah.
Me: Do you need ice for your head?
D: No
Me: Just watch where you're going, okay?
D: Okay.
September 21 near Kalamazoo
Kindergarden Recess:
My friend came up to me after the bell rang and took my hand. I got down so I could look in his face and asked if he wanted lunch one or lunch two. He shook his head and motioned that he had to go to the bathroom.
Me: Do you remember where to go?
K: *nodded*
Me: You may go.
He goes inside. I get everyone lined up and he comes back just before the bell rang to go in, but h...
e won't get in line. I ask him what is wrong, and he tries to spell something in the air. I ask him "wǔfàn yī?". He shakes his head. "wǔfàn èr?" He shakes his head.
Me: Show me. And I hold out my hand.
He takes me to the boy's bathroom door way and points. I point to the sign and say "Boys?" He shakes his head and points again. I look in the door and see that he's pointing to a big red STOP sign with pictures and words telling the boys, no yelling, no horse play, and to wash their hands before they leave.
Me: Oh! thats okay, it's just telling you to wash your hands when you are done. (I make a motion like I'm washing my hands)
K: *shakes head*.
Me: Yes, (I nod) you can go in there if you need to use the toilet.
K: *shakes his head*.
Me: It's okay, really. (I keep nodding.)
Mr. Fitzpatrick comes by. I tell him what's wrong, and Mr. Fitzpatrick offers to stand in the wash room and wait.
K: *shakes his head*
Mr. Fizpatrick: How about his class room. (to K) Do you want to go to your class room?
K takes his hand and off they go.
K comes back outside when he's done. I tell him "wǔfàn", and he runs to the cafeteria.... after giving me a big smile.
September 23 near Kalamazoo
So I asked my "translator" how to say "which"
A: Which, which?
Me: Like - I have two sandwiches, which one do you want.
A: Um... Ah... Chimpee. NO! don't say that. You must never say that to anyone.
Me: (giving her a look) Is it a naughty word?
A: Um, well, no, not really.
Me: What does it mean?
A: You are telling them they are crazy.
Me: ARE YOU CALLING ME CRAZY???
A: (Laughing) No!! No!! Just say "chicken nuggets"...
Monday September 24, 2012
Yesterday was very quiet on the playground.
Then Kindergardners came out.
My "Cheerleader" came running up and gave me a hug, then grabbed my hand...
O: Let's go somewhere, Mrs. Hause!
Me: Where are we going now?
O: This way!
We ran to the small slides, "K" was playing underneath.
Me: I have to go up the stairs?
That get's "K"'s intrest and he follows...
We get to the top..
...
O: Come on! Let's go down.
Me: Me?! Go down the slide? I don't think I'll fit.
O: Come on! (and down she goes)
Me: What do you think? Should I go down?
K just gives me a big smile.
Me: Okay, I'll try it...
So, down I go. When I get to the bottom, I have been abandoned, so I do my walk around the playground until time to call them in. On the way to line-up K comes up and almost gives me a hug. I look at him and say wǔfàn yī? or wǔfàn èr?
He grins and holds up his jacket coverd fingers. I take his hand and "dig" through the sleeve to see his choice. I get a big smile, and almost a giggle!
Tuesday near Kalamazoo
I don't think I've ever been more frustrated than I was today.
When I came back on the Playground from taking the 4th graders to lunch, I heard crying. There was "K". As soon as he saw me he nearly ran to me, and let me give him a hug. I asked what was wrong, but he didn't say anything, just cried.
I took him to the bench and got my trusty "Say it Right in Chinese" book and looked up Hurt.... not ...
there.
Sad.... not there.
Hit..... not there.
Kicked.... not there.
Fell... not there.
"K" stayed right by me, if he could have given himself permission to sit on my lap, he would have been there.
I saw kids sliding down the slide on their bellies, head first, so I said "Wu lai", and he took my hand and walked with me. When we got to the slide I barely had time to tell the boys to stop going down head first, and he started to pull on my hand and point to the "mountain".
We walked over to the mountain and I said: Every body. I need your help. Somthing happened to "K" does anyone know what happened?
M: I don't know, maybe someone kicked him.
O: I know, it's the monsters.
B: Maybe someone is calling him names.
M: He got hit with a ball in Gaga. (and she ran off)
"K" pointed at M. I tried to talk to her again, but was dragged off to the Gaga pit. On the way, he stopped and pointed at the tree.
Me: Did you fall? Did you trip? Aw, honey, I'm sorry, all I can say is Lunch... I think....
Wednesday September 26 2012
So, I had my little "Say it Right in Chinese" book out and a member commented about it. I told him that there was a little boy who didn't speak english and I was trying to learn some words to help on the playground. (have several places bookmarked so I can find them quickly. I discovered that I've been saying "I come" instead of "you come" That's why he grins at me!!) While we were talking another...
m...ember came in, started to leave to do his work out then came back and asked if there was someone who needed help with translations. He told me that his wife teaches at the Chinese school. (He teaches comparitive religions at Western) He asked what school I was at. When I said Haverhill told me he knew EJ, one of my "tanslators"! I have his card so I can email him, and get in touch with his wife! He also said that I could go to the Chinese school and get to know people who can help with translating at school.
I asked God to smite me with the ability to speak and understand Chinese, and He did even better! He put me in touch with people to help!
Wednesday near Kalamazoo
Today, "K" was all smiles and playing with "M". They had a grand time. "K" would come to me and give me a big while playing. He even gave me a High 5!
September 27, 2012
As I’m walking back to the playground from taking the 4th graders to lunch. I notice “K” happily wandering around the black top. When he sees me, he meanders over and pats my hand.
Me: Hi sweetie, what?
K points to his right hand. I see a tiny mark that looks like he was bitten by some bug.
Me: Oh no! What happened?
K starts drawing in the air.
Me: Did you get stung?
K shakes his head and continues pointing at his “owie” and drawing.
Me: Come on, let’s find my book.
We walk to the bench and I start looking through my book. I think maybe he wants a bandage. I find bandage in my book, say the best I can, take one out of my pouch and put it over his hand, and say it again. He smiles and shakes his head no.
Me: Was it a bee? (I make a “bzzzzzzz” and move my finger in the air in “bee” motion). He copies me, but shakes his head no.
Me: Was it mosquito? (I make a higher pitched “bzzzz” and put my finger and thumb together to mean a smaller bug.) He copies me again, put his finger tips and thumbs together to make a triangle and then makes the “small bug”.
Me: Was it in your house?
K shakes his head, then makes crawling motions.
Me: was it a spider?
K shakes his head.
Some kids come and ask for help by the little slides. K takes my hand and we walk over there.
“MA” – a little boy who has decided that he and K are going to be friends whether they can understand each other or not – comes up: Did you take him to the hospital?
Me: No. When did he go to the hospital?
MA: Last night. It must have been his mom.
K bends down and picks up a wood chip, and makes it fly, then fall.
Me: Did someone throw wood chips at you?
K shakes his head.
Monster girl: I’m doing my best to keep those monsters away from him. I’ve told them to leave him alone. I think they finally are.
K crouches down and makes a crawling motion in the woodchips, picks some up and drops them.
Me: Did you see a spider in the wood chips?
He shakes his head and makes crawling motions again. He makes a triangle with his hands again, picks up a round wood chip and puts it between his thumb and forefinger, then points at the two Oaks.
Me: did the bug go into “it’s” house?
He pulls his hand into his sleeve and points to the trees.
Me: In the trees?
Just then, another girl comes running up: Mrs. Hause there’s a bee! Come on!
K takes my hand and they lead me out to the Oak trees.
Girl: See! There are bees!
There is quite a group of kids including, MA and Monster Girl. They show me a huge knot at the base of the tree that has been there forever, it’s now hollowed out some, and looks like it could hold a bee hive.
Me: That’s just a knot in the tree. It looks like it could be a hive, but it’s not.
Girl: But I saw a bee.
Me: Sure, they hang out around here. They’re all over the place.
K takes my hand and we walk around the tree. He looks at the ground then looks up the tree as we go. Then he takes me over to the other tree, to do the same. On the back side of the tree, there is a circle of white spray paint. He points at that.
Me: that’s just spray paint.
Kid: Yeah, PSSSSST. Paint.
K keeps looking around the tree and finally sees what he’s looking at. He points to an ant just as it goes behind a piece of bark.
Me: An ant? Did an ant bite you?
K nods his head, points to his hand and points to the back of his collar, and pulls on the back of his shirt… something he did the day he came to me crying.
Me: Did ants bite your hand and back? Oh no! ( I looked surprised and put my hand over my mouth)
Just then the bell rang.
Not to self: Bring paper and pencil out to recess…. Should have done that long ago!!!
September 28, 2012
Today, K and MA were running all over the playground and having a wonderful time. For the last 6 minutes of it, "K" came to me, took my hand and lead me to an area of the black top that had a blue chalk line on it, and he pointed at it.Me: Blue Line.K took me to another blue line at the other end of the black top, and pointed.Me: Blue line. (pointed to my shirt) BlueK took me toward the side walk and pointed out an enclosed "hopscotch" grid and pointed.
Me: BlueK took me to a drawing of some kind of designMe: BlueHe took me to another drawingMe: BlueHe went to the numbers on the side walk and pointed to the blue line.Me: BlueHe pointed to a portrait of Pat and I that a 3rd grader made.Me: Yellow. He pointed at the hair on one of themMe: Blue. That's me. Does it look like me?He grinned and pointed at the #1 on the sidewalkMe: ee, one.He pointed at the #2Me: er, twoHe pointed at the #3.Me: three, I don't know what it is in Chinese.He smiled at me and pointed to the black top.Me: Black topHe pointed to the sidewalkMe: SidewalkHe moved his finger in a circle over the sidewalkMe: White sidewalk.He grinned real big then told me what his lunch choice was, because the bell had rung!
Back to school! Yesterday was Orientation Day. I spent the hour before recesses started going over the rules. When I was finished asking them questions I asked if there were any questions.
A fourth grader asked: Where is Mrs. Clemens?
Me: She graduated, she went to the Middle School with the 5th graders.
4th Grader: No, really.
Me: She graduated.
4th Grader: Seriously, where is she?
Me: She's at North Middle School.
1st grader (we knew her from last year...): Where is Mrs. Clemens?
Me: She's at North Middle school.
1st grader: Oh. Who are you?
Me: I'm Mrs. Hause! Don't you recognize me?
1st grader shakes her head...
Me: It's because of my sunglasses...(I took them off) See?
She smiled big and gave me a hug.
September 6 near Kalamazoo
4th Grade Girl comes to me today....
Why are you wearing that hideous vest that makes you look like a bright yellow traffic cone?
Me: You don't like it?
4th Grade girl: That is not a flattering color on anyone on the planet.
Me: I know, right, but if it were flattering on everyone, then it would be in fashion.
4th Grade Girl: But no one would wear a color like that because it's so hideous.
Me: ...
Exactly. If it were in fashion, everyone would be wear this color. Then, I wouldn't stand out.
4th Grade Girl: Why would you want to stand out?
Me: So you know where I am at all times on the playground, and so that the teachers can find me right away if they need me... otherwise, I blend in with you kids.
4th Grade Girl: I feel sorry for you....
September 6 near Kalamazoo
1st grader boy, "R" asks how to play the bucket game. He then shows me how he can kick the ball....
Me: Wow, you kick better than I do.
R: Well, you can come to my house and C and I will teach you.
Me: So, C is your brother...
R: Yeah, he's my Triplet.
Me: Triplet is three, so who is the other triplet?
R: Her, M.
M: WHAT?!?!
Me: You are R's other triplet.
M: Oh, Yeah.
September 7 near Kalamazoo
Today, we went over the rules for indoor recess in the Activity Area. With each group I had Kindergardeners and/or Young 5's mixed in with the older kids. We talked about how this is where we would come if it was raining hard outside, or if the temperature was below 0 in the winter.
In one of the groups, the Kindergardeners and Young 5's started asking questions.....
K'er #1: What if there is ...thunder?
Me: If I hear thunder I will start watching the sky for lightening and if I see lightening, we will come in here, right away.
K'er #2: What if there is a thunder storm?
Me: We will come in here.
K'er #3: What if there is a tornado?
Me: Well, we have procedures for for tornados, and we will follow those.
K'er #4: What if we are outside and there is a tornado?
Me: We will come inside as soon as we hear the tornado siren and your teachers will tell you what to do. But we don't need to worry about that right now.
K'er#5: But what if there is a tornado while we are in here?
Me: Your teachers will come get you and they will tell you what to do. Again, we don't need to worry bout that right now.
K'er #6: What if a tornado comes and knocks down the building?
Me: This building is very strong. We will be very safe here.
K'er #7: But what if there is a REAL tornado?
Me: We will have a tornado drill some day, and then you will know what to do. Until then, we don't need to worry about that. I can promise you that we will do everything we can to keep you safe.
September 10
5th Grader: Mrs. Hause, the new kid won't play GaGa right.
I look, and the kid is sitting on the rail.
5th Grader 2: We told him you can't sit on the wall and that he needs to get out, but he won't.
Me: Okay, everyone, there is no sitting on the wall. If you are out, you need to get out of the pit.
New Kid: I'm out, I'm just sitting here.
Me: You need to get out.
New Kid: I'm being the wall...
.
Me: You don't need to be the wall, we have walls. You need to get out.
New Kid: No I don't.
Me: Yes you do, and if I have to tell you again, I will get Mr. Zonts
New Kid: He doesn't care. He told me I could be the wall.
Me: Well then, I will discuss it with Mr. Zonts.
He pulls his feet up onto the rail and squats on the rail.
Me: I said to get out, that means all the way out.
New Kid: You don't play this game right.
Me: The rules are right there (and I point to a sign by the GaGa pit)
New Kid goes to look at the sign. Meanwhile, we have a school rule that there is no "turtle-ing" staying bent over with your arms swinging all the time, basically guarding your legs from getting hit.
Me: No Turtle-ing
New Kid: Why? It's not on the sign.
Me: We have a few rules that are not on the sign because we have problems with that here at this school.
New Kid: Well, it's not on the sign.
Me: We don't turtle.
New Kid goes off muttering....
I go off muttering....
September 13
There is a little boy in one of our kindergarden classes who does not speak English. I'm trying to learn a few Mandarin words so I can help him out some. The phonetic spellings of the words look nothing like how they are pronounced!!!
September 13 near Kalamazoo
Last year, one of our 2nd graders helped translate for one of our Chinese children at school. This year I told her I was thinking about learning Chinese. She said "Good! You can help me practice because I'm forgetting it."
Yesterday, I decided to really take the challenge to learn Chinese because one of our Kindergardeners doesn't speak English quite yet.
Today, I went to "A"
Me: "A", tell me what I said...kěyǐ bāng nǐ mā. (It means: Can I help you.)
A: (wrinkles her nose and tilts her head) You want to help my mom?
Okay, I was close. I got the numbers one and two - yī, èr down and also Come here -guòlái, and lunch - wǔfàn- And felt confident. When our Kindergardeners came out I asked his teacher how his English was. She said he is learning quickly, but there are still many many words he does not know. I told her my idea and she thought it was a good one!
I said: "nǐhǎo" (Hello) to him. He smiled and he stayed fairly close to me most of recess. When the bell rang I called all the kids in and he just meandered, and didn't move much.
Me: "K", guòlái!
He looked up with big eyes, smiled a little and followed me.
In the lunch line I said: wǔfàn yī? (held up one finger) or wǔfàn èr? (held up two fingers).
He gave me a little smile, but didn't say a word.
Maybe I asked if he was having monkey one or monkey two.....
September 14 near Kalamazoo
A third grade girl comes up to me and says: Mrs. Hause, two boys are doing violence to each other.
Me: They are doing violence?
Girl: Yes.
Me: What kind of violence?
Girl: Well... T thought that D said the "H" word, and he twisted his arm.
I went to D and verified that T did indeed twist his arm. So, D and I went to T: T, did you twist D's arm.
T: Well..... yes.
Me: Why?
T: I DON'T KNOW...!!
Me: What should be done about this?
T: Nothing?!
Me: Oh no, YOU will do something. What are you going to do?
T: Flip a card?
Me: That's a good idea, you'll flip a card. What else are you going to do?
T: I don't know....
Me: Don't you have something to say?
T: Sorry?
Me: Not to me, to D.
T: Sorry, D.
My first note to a teacher, and the first flipped card of the year.
September 14 near Kalamazoo
Kindergarden:
I told K "nǐhǎo". He just looked at me with an almost grin. When I blew my whistle for them to line up, K stood by the dinosaur he was playing on and looked up at me with a sideways glance. I looked at him and said: "guòlái". He gave a little grin and smirked all the way to the line. I then asked him: " yī," or "èr". He smirked at me again and put up one finger.
I think I'm making a friend.
September 18
I was sitting on the bench bandaging a busted knuckle when 2nd grader "M" came running up to me with a distraught face.
M: Mrs Hause, "B" is being mean to me.
"B" followed close behind.
Me: What is she doing?
B: I'm not doing anything.
"H" brought up the rear, and sat down next to me on the bench. (Back Story: "H" came new mid way through the 1st semester last year. She's Chinese, and spo...
ke very little English - one of the reasons I decided to learn Mandarin - "B" decided to take it upon herself to be her BFF and drag her all over the playground. "M" decided that that was not acceptable, and started to drag her all over the playground. The poor little thing looked like a pull toy!)
"M" and "B" continued with unintelligable tattling and explaining. I looked at "H"
Me: Hi "H"!
H: Hi
Me: How is it going for you?
H: Fine.
Me: Did you have a good summer.
H: Yes, it was fun.
Me: Are you being dragged all over the playground this year?
H: *big grin* No.
M: I want "H" to be behind me when we go down the slide because we are going to be best friends and "B" keeps going ahead of her.
Me: "H", do you care who is right infront or behind or beside you?
H: No.
Me: Okay, sounds good to me. You can go play and have fun if you want to.
H: Okay, Bye! (she takes off with one of the boys)
I turn my attention back to the other two.
Me: Girls, we are NOT going to start this "Mean Girls" stuff again.
B: I don't want to. I don't want to have 1st grade all over again. I said I was sorry, she said "okay" then she came to tell on me.
Me: If you forgive someone when they say I'm sorry, you don't go tattle. It's over. You solved it yourselves, so drop it and play nicely.
"M" starts crying: I'm not being mean, it's just that....
Me: Did "B" say she was sorry? Did you say "okay".
"M" *sob*: Yes.
Me: Then lets drop it. Don't come to me to complain if you've settled it on your own. I'm glad you settled it on your own, that's a good thing! Now go play, and no more "Mean Girls"!
They go running off. And I look up and there is Mr. Fitzpatrick, the school Psycologist, smiling.... just waiting his turn to ask me a question.
September 19
My little Chinese friend didn't need any prompting.... Until we got to the line for lunch.
Me: "K", which lunch?
K: (slight smirk)
Me: Lunch 1 (hold up one finger) or Lunch 2 (hold up two fingers)
K: (slight smirk)
Me: (roll eyes) wǔfàn yī? (held up one finger) or wǔfàn èr? (held up two fingers).
K: (bigger smirk, holds up two fingers).
September 20
This adorable, tiny little kindergardener with a LOOOONNNGGG blonde ponytail came running up to me, and gave me a big hug.
O: Mrs. Hause, Come on!! (she grabs my hand) Comeon-comeon-comeon-comeon-co
meon. (we took off running! me, not by choice!!)
Me: Where are we going?
O: Come watch me climb the mountain.
We go to the "mountain" and she starts climbing up.
O: Come on Mrs. Hause, climb wi...
th me!!!
Me: Oh, I can't. It's too big. I'll get scared.
O: No you won't, I won't get scared. Come on!! Oh no! I can't go higher. (she starts to come down, but can't figure out her footing) Can you help me?
Me: Sure Sweetie. (I lift her down)
She grabs my hand. "Comeon-comeon-comeon-comeon-c
omeon." (we took off running again!)
Me: Where are we going now?
O: To the jungle!!
Me: The jungle?
O: Right here is the jungle. (she brings me to the metal igloo)
Me: Whew! I'm going to rest here, and sit on the outside of the jungle while you go in.
O: Be careful! There are lions!
Me: LIONS!!!????
O: Yes, but they are just in here. (she crawls out grabs my hand again) Let's go! Let'sgo-Let'sgo-Let'sgo-Let'sgo... and off we go running across the woodchips untill my alarm goes off telling me it's time to call them in for lunch!
September 20 near Kalamazoo
I'm taking Young 5's into lunch, and I'm holding the hand of the little boy who is first in line.
B: I'm going to be your line partner today, aren't I?
Me: Yes you are.
B: Mrs. Hause, you aren't wearing your tennis shoes.
Me: No, I'm not.
B: Why?
Me: I decided to wear these shoes instead. Do you think I should be wearing tennis shoes?
B: Yes, that would be better.
September 21
1st Grade recess looked like a mini youth convention with little prayer circles all over the place, complete with the "Laying on of Hands"! (this is a long one, you may want to go get a cup of coffee...)
As I returned to the playground from taking the 5th grade to lunch I got a call on the walkie-talkie: "Panini" forgot her sweater, could I bring it in. Mrs. Doorlag pointed out a boy on the bl......
ack-top with about four or five children gathered tight around him. I called back that "Panini" would have to come get it herself after luch, I had stuff to take care of. I get to the group and a little guy is lying on the black top crying.
Me: What happened? Everyone, move back.... give him some air!... Go play!!
Boy: (through tears) I fell and hurt my knee.
He shows me his knee, and the scrape is bleeding pretty good, and it's much bigger than my bandage supply can handle, so I take him inside and pass him off to an Aide.
I get back outside, and see Pat surounded by kids with a crying girl in the middle.
Me: What happened? You guys go play.
Girl: *sob, sup* pushed me!
Pat: She didn't get pushed, she fell on her tummy.
I leave her with Pat, turn around and I'm greeted by a girl: Someone got hurt.
I look up and see five girls gathered around a crying girl walking toward me.
Me: What happened? Back up everyone, give her some air! Go play.
Girl: I fell off the mountain and hurt my side.
Me: Do you need to go get ice?
Girl: No, I'll be okay.
Me: You can sit on the bench and rest a bit if you want.
Girl: Okay.
I turn and walk past the swings and large slides and see a group of kids huddled in the field. As I get closer, I see they have their arms around a kid sitting on the ground.
Me: What's going on?
Girl: "S" is crying.
Me: Well, back up give him some air. Why don't you guys go play.
"S" give me your hand, stand up and tell me what happened.
S: *sup* "T" won't play with me. She said she would. She said I can't play with them.
Me: Well, maybe they are in the middle of a game. Where is "T".
S: Over there. (He points to the small equipment where the kids I just sent away are playing.)
Me: Was she one of the kids that was over here?
S: *nodds head*
Me: "T" can "S" play with you guys.
T and the other kids: Yea... He can play.... We asked him to play...
"S" goes off to play with the kids, and I walk away shaking my head. I see kids on the ground, surounding another kid near the zip line.
Me: What's going on, back up, give her some air....
Kid: "J" pushed me too hard.
I look over and the girl with the hurt tummy, is still crying on the bench. I go over to her and ask if she had been playing on the zip line. She had... meanwhile, kids are dropping off the zip line like flies.
I go back over to the zip-line telling the kids that I think it's time to leave the zip line alone, and I'm met by a kid. "I fell off of that too, but I'm not hurt."
Me: Well, You, and some others, look like you are trying to fall off. If you aren't ready to fall, it can hurt when you do. Besides, you give one push to get them started if they ask for help, you don't push them running the whole length of the line.
I look up and there are a group of boys gathered around another lying on the ground. Out to the field I go....
Me: What happened? Guys, move back!!
T: "G" tackled him.
Me: You know there is no tackling, just touch.
G: I went like this (he pushed "N" and "N" moved about a foot to the side.
Me: Okay, that's too hard. "C" are you okay?
C: I hit my head.
Me: Go get ice.
Thankfully, just then, the bell rang.
September 21 near Kalamazoo
1st Grade recess was much quieter today. The only thing that happened was that a boy was climbing the monkey bars and his foot slipped. He straddled the bar..... hard.... not intentionally..... He slowly rolled off the bar and landed in a lump in the wood chips. By the time I got to him he was sitting up, in a fetal position.
Me: Are you okay?
Boy: No, I fell and hit my...
Me: I saw. Can y...
ou get up? (I gave him my hand and he got to his feet.) Do you want to go get ice?
Boy: Yes.
I called the office on my walkie-talkie and told them: "Z fell on the monkey bars, he's coming in for ice."
I watched him sllloooowwwwlllyyyy walk across the playground. He got to the black top by the time most kids would be walking in the door.
I called the office again: Office, he's coming. He's moving pretty slow, but he's coming.
Mr. Zonts comes on the radio: This is Mr. Zonts, I'm on my way out to the playground, where is the person who needs help getting to the office.
Me: He just went in the door. His foot slipped while he was climbing the monkey bars... if you get my drift.
Mr. Zonts: I... *gulp* ah, I get your drift!
September 21 near Kalamazoo
3rd Grade recess....
"D" is lying on the ground crying. "J", "N" and "AJ" (all of Shadow Story fame) are standing around.
Me: What happened "D"
D: I tripped over that, flipped and landed here and hit my head.
J (my re-enactor): Yeah, he went like this, and then his foot went like this and he went 'whoooooaaaaa' and then went like and landed like that.
Me: You did a somersault? (D nodded) Wow! I'm impressed. That shows great talent! (D grins a little) Can you stand up? (he nods) Are you okay?
D: yeah.
Me: Do you need ice for your head?
D: No
Me: Just watch where you're going, okay?
D: Okay.
September 21 near Kalamazoo
Kindergarden Recess:
My friend came up to me after the bell rang and took my hand. I got down so I could look in his face and asked if he wanted lunch one or lunch two. He shook his head and motioned that he had to go to the bathroom.
Me: Do you remember where to go?
K: *nodded*
Me: You may go.
He goes inside. I get everyone lined up and he comes back just before the bell rang to go in, but h...
e won't get in line. I ask him what is wrong, and he tries to spell something in the air. I ask him "wǔfàn yī?". He shakes his head. "wǔfàn èr?" He shakes his head.
Me: Show me. And I hold out my hand.
He takes me to the boy's bathroom door way and points. I point to the sign and say "Boys?" He shakes his head and points again. I look in the door and see that he's pointing to a big red STOP sign with pictures and words telling the boys, no yelling, no horse play, and to wash their hands before they leave.
Me: Oh! thats okay, it's just telling you to wash your hands when you are done. (I make a motion like I'm washing my hands)
K: *shakes head*.
Me: Yes, (I nod) you can go in there if you need to use the toilet.
K: *shakes his head*.
Me: It's okay, really. (I keep nodding.)
Mr. Fitzpatrick comes by. I tell him what's wrong, and Mr. Fitzpatrick offers to stand in the wash room and wait.
K: *shakes his head*
Mr. Fizpatrick: How about his class room. (to K) Do you want to go to your class room?
K takes his hand and off they go.
K comes back outside when he's done. I tell him "wǔfàn", and he runs to the cafeteria.... after giving me a big smile.
September 23 near Kalamazoo
So I asked my "translator" how to say "which"
A: Which, which?
Me: Like - I have two sandwiches, which one do you want.
A: Um... Ah... Chimpee. NO! don't say that. You must never say that to anyone.
Me: (giving her a look) Is it a naughty word?
A: Um, well, no, not really.
Me: What does it mean?
A: You are telling them they are crazy.
Me: ARE YOU CALLING ME CRAZY???
A: (Laughing) No!! No!! Just say "chicken nuggets"...
Monday September 24, 2012
Yesterday was very quiet on the playground.
Then Kindergardners came out.
My "Cheerleader" came running up and gave me a hug, then grabbed my hand...
O: Let's go somewhere, Mrs. Hause!
Me: Where are we going now?
O: This way!
We ran to the small slides, "K" was playing underneath.
Me: I have to go up the stairs?
That get's "K"'s intrest and he follows...
We get to the top..
...
O: Come on! Let's go down.
Me: Me?! Go down the slide? I don't think I'll fit.
O: Come on! (and down she goes)
Me: What do you think? Should I go down?
K just gives me a big smile.
Me: Okay, I'll try it...
So, down I go. When I get to the bottom, I have been abandoned, so I do my walk around the playground until time to call them in. On the way to line-up K comes up and almost gives me a hug. I look at him and say wǔfàn yī? or wǔfàn èr?
He grins and holds up his jacket coverd fingers. I take his hand and "dig" through the sleeve to see his choice. I get a big smile, and almost a giggle!
Tuesday near Kalamazoo
I don't think I've ever been more frustrated than I was today.
When I came back on the Playground from taking the 4th graders to lunch, I heard crying. There was "K". As soon as he saw me he nearly ran to me, and let me give him a hug. I asked what was wrong, but he didn't say anything, just cried.
I took him to the bench and got my trusty "Say it Right in Chinese" book and looked up Hurt.... not ...
there.
Sad.... not there.
Hit..... not there.
Kicked.... not there.
Fell... not there.
"K" stayed right by me, if he could have given himself permission to sit on my lap, he would have been there.
I saw kids sliding down the slide on their bellies, head first, so I said "Wu lai", and he took my hand and walked with me. When we got to the slide I barely had time to tell the boys to stop going down head first, and he started to pull on my hand and point to the "mountain".
We walked over to the mountain and I said: Every body. I need your help. Somthing happened to "K" does anyone know what happened?
M: I don't know, maybe someone kicked him.
O: I know, it's the monsters.
B: Maybe someone is calling him names.
M: He got hit with a ball in Gaga. (and she ran off)
"K" pointed at M. I tried to talk to her again, but was dragged off to the Gaga pit. On the way, he stopped and pointed at the tree.
Me: Did you fall? Did you trip? Aw, honey, I'm sorry, all I can say is Lunch... I think....
Wednesday September 26 2012
So, I had my little "Say it Right in Chinese" book out and a member commented about it. I told him that there was a little boy who didn't speak english and I was trying to learn some words to help on the playground. (have several places bookmarked so I can find them quickly. I discovered that I've been saying "I come" instead of "you come" That's why he grins at me!!) While we were talking another...
m...ember came in, started to leave to do his work out then came back and asked if there was someone who needed help with translations. He told me that his wife teaches at the Chinese school. (He teaches comparitive religions at Western) He asked what school I was at. When I said Haverhill told me he knew EJ, one of my "tanslators"! I have his card so I can email him, and get in touch with his wife! He also said that I could go to the Chinese school and get to know people who can help with translating at school.
I asked God to smite me with the ability to speak and understand Chinese, and He did even better! He put me in touch with people to help!
Wednesday near Kalamazoo
Today, "K" was all smiles and playing with "M". They had a grand time. "K" would come to me and give me a big while playing. He even gave me a High 5!
September 27, 2012
As I’m walking back to the playground from taking the 4th graders to lunch. I notice “K” happily wandering around the black top. When he sees me, he meanders over and pats my hand.
Me: Hi sweetie, what?
K points to his right hand. I see a tiny mark that looks like he was bitten by some bug.
Me: Oh no! What happened?
K starts drawing in the air.
Me: Did you get stung?
K shakes his head and continues pointing at his “owie” and drawing.
Me: Come on, let’s find my book.
We walk to the bench and I start looking through my book. I think maybe he wants a bandage. I find bandage in my book, say the best I can, take one out of my pouch and put it over his hand, and say it again. He smiles and shakes his head no.
Me: Was it a bee? (I make a “bzzzzzzz” and move my finger in the air in “bee” motion). He copies me, but shakes his head no.
Me: Was it mosquito? (I make a higher pitched “bzzzz” and put my finger and thumb together to mean a smaller bug.) He copies me again, put his finger tips and thumbs together to make a triangle and then makes the “small bug”.
Me: Was it in your house?
K shakes his head, then makes crawling motions.
Me: was it a spider?
K shakes his head.
Some kids come and ask for help by the little slides. K takes my hand and we walk over there.
“MA” – a little boy who has decided that he and K are going to be friends whether they can understand each other or not – comes up: Did you take him to the hospital?
Me: No. When did he go to the hospital?
MA: Last night. It must have been his mom.
K bends down and picks up a wood chip, and makes it fly, then fall.
Me: Did someone throw wood chips at you?
K shakes his head.
Monster girl: I’m doing my best to keep those monsters away from him. I’ve told them to leave him alone. I think they finally are.
K crouches down and makes a crawling motion in the woodchips, picks some up and drops them.
Me: Did you see a spider in the wood chips?
He shakes his head and makes crawling motions again. He makes a triangle with his hands again, picks up a round wood chip and puts it between his thumb and forefinger, then points at the two Oaks.
Me: did the bug go into “it’s” house?
He pulls his hand into his sleeve and points to the trees.
Me: In the trees?
Just then, another girl comes running up: Mrs. Hause there’s a bee! Come on!
K takes my hand and they lead me out to the Oak trees.
Girl: See! There are bees!
There is quite a group of kids including, MA and Monster Girl. They show me a huge knot at the base of the tree that has been there forever, it’s now hollowed out some, and looks like it could hold a bee hive.
Me: That’s just a knot in the tree. It looks like it could be a hive, but it’s not.
Girl: But I saw a bee.
Me: Sure, they hang out around here. They’re all over the place.
K takes my hand and we walk around the tree. He looks at the ground then looks up the tree as we go. Then he takes me over to the other tree, to do the same. On the back side of the tree, there is a circle of white spray paint. He points at that.
Me: that’s just spray paint.
Kid: Yeah, PSSSSST. Paint.
K keeps looking around the tree and finally sees what he’s looking at. He points to an ant just as it goes behind a piece of bark.
Me: An ant? Did an ant bite you?
K nods his head, points to his hand and points to the back of his collar, and pulls on the back of his shirt… something he did the day he came to me crying.
Me: Did ants bite your hand and back? Oh no! ( I looked surprised and put my hand over my mouth)
Just then the bell rang.
Not to self: Bring paper and pencil out to recess…. Should have done that long ago!!!
September 28, 2012
Today, K and MA were running all over the playground and having a wonderful time. For the last 6 minutes of it, "K" came to me, took my hand and lead me to an area of the black top that had a blue chalk line on it, and he pointed at it.Me: Blue Line.K took me to another blue line at the other end of the black top, and pointed.Me: Blue line. (pointed to my shirt) BlueK took me toward the side walk and pointed out an enclosed "hopscotch" grid and pointed.
Me: BlueK took me to a drawing of some kind of designMe: BlueHe took me to another drawingMe: BlueHe went to the numbers on the side walk and pointed to the blue line.Me: BlueHe pointed to a portrait of Pat and I that a 3rd grader made.Me: Yellow. He pointed at the hair on one of themMe: Blue. That's me. Does it look like me?He grinned and pointed at the #1 on the sidewalkMe: ee, one.He pointed at the #2Me: er, twoHe pointed at the #3.Me: three, I don't know what it is in Chinese.He smiled at me and pointed to the black top.Me: Black topHe pointed to the sidewalkMe: SidewalkHe moved his finger in a circle over the sidewalkMe: White sidewalk.He grinned real big then told me what his lunch choice was, because the bell had rung!
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