day 15

Today, I was given a little bit of hope.

We did a lesson on self control. First, I blew a bunch of bubbles and they went crazy popping them. N was in the time out doing the usual, "What about me?!" whine. I really wanted him to be a part of the lesson, so as soon as he got himself together I let him come back. He seated himself just in time for the next part of the lesson.

I asked, "What is self control?" Parents everywhere came straight out of their children's mouths. Control your mouth. Keep your body to yourself. I then explained that self control is a part of the brain that we use to keep ourselves from just doing anything we want. Do you see where I was going?

I then challenged them to use their self control to NOT pop the bubbles when I blew them (Ms. H, my doppleganger, accused me of torture when I told her about my plan for this lesson).

When I got to N, after not getting to pop any bubbles, I reminded him to use self control. Then I blew a cloud of bubbles at him. That little boy did not touch one bubble.

But that's not the best part. As I began to praise him, the entire class erupted into applause for him.

For the first time, everyone supported him and the feeling in the room soared.