read to small children (Reading Response 6)

If you know me, it's not surprising to find out that I'm not the biggest fan of small children. They're unhygienic, loud, and unpredictable. I was the youngest in my family, so I didn't have to deal with the small and whiny.

Recently, my views have changed. (A bit.)

New view: children who can walk and up are ridiculously cute (when they aren't within about five feet of me).

The reason for this rant does indeed relate to reading. As a member of the National English Honor Society, I went to Portland Elementary during endeavor last Thursday to read a children's book to a kindergarten class with my fellow members.

Or so I thought.

In reality, a few of us were herded into each classroom and as we entered ours, my goodness.

The teacher was sitting at a teeny tiny table helping some boy draw. A child was laying on the floor moving around like a snake and others were spread out. The teacher (who's name was ridiculous for me to pronounce, much less a five year old) told us to heard up a few and read to them.

I went in to this deal thinking I could get by with reading in front of a class and leave. But no. I stood there for a few moments and tried to figure out what to do.

"Hey," I said, walking up to a quiet-looking one, "wanna hear a story?"

He responded with enthusiasm, "Yea!" and I was shocked. How cool was that? A few seconds later I had four kids surrounding me on the floor and I was cracking open a library copy of The Giving Tree.
"And the tree was happy..."

After that book, to which the kids listened intently, they all went to grab another book for me to read. I had never seen such enthusiasm for reading! It was enlightening and a little inspiring.

I can't wait to do it again.

So, my friends, take some advice from the giving tree today and make someone else happy.

Cheers,
Michelle

(Note: this was composed on my phone. Any errors are due to the tiny screen and limited stylistic options.)