Sparks flew in the classroom when I gave the students balloons. How could I be so dumb?
I didn't realize that in a split second sweet, well-behaved children could go wild.
I did my student teaching in a mountain school. The fourth graders were adorable. They wrote me love notes and hugged me, They peeked out the window and raced to meet me each morning when I pulled into the parking lot. The children carried my lunch and held my hand as we walked into the building.
I asked my supervisor if I could bring the students a surprise for being so well- behaved. She agreed and told me not to bring any sweets because Danny had sugar diabetes.
That afternoon I stopped at the Dollar Store. It was hard finding something without sugar. I saw some balloons and decided to get those for the kids.
The next day right before the students were dismissed from school, I gave out the balloons. The children were so happy and excited to get a surprise.
But sparks flew. It was complete chaos in the classroom. The children blew the balloons up, made squeaking noises, let them fly like UFO's, and popped the balloons. I couldn't believe how the kids went wild.
My supervisor teacher gave me the look, "It's your problem," and headed out the door. She left me alone to deal with the problem.
Thank goodness, I was saved by the dismissal bell. The kids charged out the door, ran down the hall popping balloons. The principal yelled, "Who gave you those balloons?"
I never confessed to handing out those balloons to the children. That was a lesson I would never forget. As long as I taught school, I never gave the students balloons again as a reward for good behavior.
This is a true story and I hope my blogger friends got a chuckle from this little story.
7 comments:
It may not have turned out as you expected, but I am sure those children will carry that memory for many years.
I can image the happy faces,the noise & chaos.
You did give me a laugh. I guess seasoned teachers learn these things.
You asked about Mildred. She had pancreatic cancer and passed away, I think in November. She was a dear lady, and a Christian, so her pain is done.
Brenda, I did get a chuckle from this!! I'll have to share it with my daughter who teaches fourth grade.
As a retired schoolteacher who spent many years teaching fourth and fifth graders, I can now sit back and laugh at your story. It surely brings back lots of happy memories.
Bet they loved you for it, though!!!!!!!!
🌸 🌸 🌸 🌸 🌸 🌸
What a joy to have students who loved and appreciated you, even if they did act like children with those balloons!
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