Yesterday, I taught 5th and 6th graders how to make recycled paper. In return those darling students taught me that it is okay to not miss teaching.
We roughly followed the instructions on this webpage, http://treewhispers.com/tree-rounds-handmade-paper/make-paper/. By roughly, I mean we blended up paper and water in a blender, had the students press them into circles, sprinkle seeds in it, and dry it out. By putting seeds in it, they can actually plant this paper in the ground and grow the flowers.
Now, don't let me say this of all of the students, because some of them were really attentive and well-mannered. However, a large number of students were far too preoccupied with their friends or new iPhones to be bothered with the instructions for this project. So after our dear sweet leader completed the very specific instructions we were instantly assaulted by the ever annoying, "What do I do?". ((bang head against wall))
It took all of my strength not to get smart with these precious ones. I was reminded of how little patience I have for children who do not engage in hands-on lessons. It's not like we were asking them to take a standardized test, for crying out loud! Never-the-less, I sucked it up and helped them with their paper. Most students really got into the project once they got started, so it wasn't a bust.
I left the school more confident than ever that I do not belong in a classroom at this time. Maybe some day my patience will return to me stronger than forever, but for now it's checked out.
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