I Got Da Blues

Sometimes I think that I wasn't supposed to teach in a traditional classroom.  I'm beginning to think I was supposed to be working in some art museum giving tours and researching periods such as The Renaissance and Baroque.  I mean, I can really get into some Georgia O'Keefe, Edvard Munch, Romare Bearden, and others.  I also have a thing for that smooth jazz, blues, and classical music.  I thank that Catholic, all-girl's, college-preparatory school my parents sent me to (Shout out to my fellow Lions...you know who you are!). 

Well, with this "artsy-fartsy" personality hidden deep inside me.  I take advantage of any opportunity to share that side of me with the kids.  Today, my class learned about Bessie Smith, an African American blues singer.  I read them a story about her, talked to them a little about what having the blues means, and they even were able to listen to some of the music.  During our Writing block, I told them that we would be writing a poem about "Da Blues".  They were excited and we talked about some of the things that make them feel blue (My favorite was,'When I get a whoopin...').

During my Writing block, I usually play some type of relaxing music to help get the creative juices flowing.  Today I thought it was appropriate to play a little blues.  Well, I must say I was impressed when I saw them bopping their little heads, snapping their fingers, and tapping their little feet...all while busy writing about what makes them feel blue.  One of the little girls must have caught a feeling and jumped out of her seat and started swaying her little tush.  Well, that's when I had to tell her to relax and have a seat.  She looked like she was about to start gyrating and I couldn't have that.

After a while, it got silent and the children were really busy putting their ideas on paper.  At that time, the lady on the CD was singing, "Don't cry, baby!" Well...Little Billy (that's what we're going to call him) was really feeling the music at this point.  He started snapping his fingers, bopping his little head, and then he started singing!  His eyes were even closed!  I mean like he was on stage performing and that lonely spotlight was shining on him.  I couldn't even ask him to stop.  I just sat there and watched him.  He was going for about 5 minutes before he realized the class and I had completely stopped what we were doing just to watch him.  Then he stopped, apologized and tried singing quietly.  That was the highlight of my day! 

I hope you enjoyed today's post. It may not have been very funny.  However, I figured I should share it with you.  Sometimes the kids surprise me.  I introduced them to something brand new and they seemed to enjoy it.  I just hope that I sparked a new interest.