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Grumpy Old Men
By Bob Robinson
Probably one of the most rejuvenating things a 68-year-old can do is
try to manage and teach a class of 20-plus 5, 6 or 7-year-olds.
They put new life into you… take you back more than six decades. Were
we ever like that?
I’ve had that privilege. I’ve taught spelling and reading, math,
science and history; even music and dance (no comments please). All to
kindergartners, first graders and second graders. Come to think of it,
third through sixth graders, too.
Then there’s gym. Recently there were a lot of kindergartner giggles as
I went through the warm-up exercises with them. Picture an old man
doing hip, arm and neck movements. Or don’t… I wouldn’t blame you. I
even did a few “partial” toe-touches. Didn’t do the jumping jacks,
though... I know my limits.
One week the kids had to find a matching leprechaun, hat or clover for
their team by running across the gym (after jumping over a small
hurdle), finding the match, then running back (and jumping over the
same hurdle) to tag the next team member.
If I hadn’t already been worn out setting the game up, watching them
run and jump would have done the job. Such energy.
More recently three students got to be “taggers,” with the rest of the
class – the leprechauns – running all over the gym trying not to be
tagged. I don’t remember ever having that much energy when I was that
age, but maybe I did.
And loud? The kids could be heard in the hallways throughout the
building. This was one day I didn’t need my hearing aids (although a
few of them checked to see if I was wearing my “ears”).
There are so many blessings when an old man gets to work with little
ones. I have yet to spend time at Woodland Heights that I haven’t left
tired, worn out and achy, but feeling good and, in many ways… a little
younger.
Kids are curious. They are innocent. They are excited to learn new
things. One time they were fascinated by my Texas A&M ring. Some
will tell you about their Grandpas, or the last time they saw you (the
local grocery store or a community event). They tell me I’m tall like
their Daddy, or ask what the “liver spots” on my hands are. Then they
tell me their grandpa has them, too.
I remember one little girl who, on seeing me at Krogers, insisted on
showing me the new “cheer” routine she had just learned. I loved it.
Her Mom stood by – I think proudly – as her daughter went through the
steps and chants perfectly. A few other customers enjoyed the show as
well.
Occasionally I hear about a recent tragedy at home… sometimes you
simply don’t know what to say. It’s hard, but you know it’s even harder
on the child.
And it seems most of them ask me to tie their shoes. Some more than
once.
I’m often reminded of Art Linkletter’s “Kids say the Darndest Things.”
Imagine a 6-year-old telling you that she’s going to marry you when she
gets big…
“But sweety, I’m already married.”
“That’s okay,” she says. “I can wait.”
I usually get hugs or “High Fives” from a couple dozen kids throughout
the day when they see me. One class recently decided on a “group” hug,
or at least that’s what they called it, before I had to settle them
down to business.
Probably the biggest challenge working with little ones is getting –
and keeping – their attention. I’ve tried a variety of things over the
past two years, like the time I asked them if they were taking
advantage of me because I was a sub.
In unison, they yelled: “No!”
Then went right back to talking and giggling.
I finally found something that worked. At least it seems to…
“How old do you think I am?”
“80!” “92!” “60!” “110!!!”
“I’m 68. (“Wow!!! That’s old!”) Have you ever heard the term Grumpy Old
Man?”
In unison: “Yes!”
“When you don’t pay attention or won’t stop talking, I get grumpy. Do
you want me to get grumpy?”
In unison: “No!”
Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. After all, they ARE little
ones. But it’s the most promising thing I’ve found yet.
There are always those few who don’t understand the concept of “eyes
and ears on me” or “keep your hands to yourself” or “raise your hand if
you want to speak.” They make me grumpy.
They don’t like it when I get grumpy… however, they also often learn
from it. Maybe for the first time.
Most of us may remember the term “symbiotic.” For those of you who
don’t, an Online Dictionary has as one of its definitions, “A
relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.”
Being around a little one, or a group of little ones, is symbiotic.
They can make you forget your aches and pains. Their inquisitiveness
will keep your mind active and on its toes. They can even make your
heart get out of its sleep mode and start pumping again (but be sure to
ask your doctor if you’re healthy enough to work with little kids).
Then there’s the children… sometimes they love the grumpy old men (and
women), sometimes they don’t. But there is no doubt in my mind that
they benefit from them.
For some, the lessons they learn in school – from teachers,
administrators and grumpy old people – are the only lessons they will
get. For others, you could be providing a “seed of character” for a new
generation of Quality People.
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