Peanut in the Classroom

I subbed for 3 hours yesterday morning. You gotta understand.... it's been a while since Mommy stood in front of students, let along teaching 3 hours straight. The 3 classes were high-intermediate conversation, grammar, and intermediate academic writing. Students in these types of classes sometimes tend to think they know enough, and they looooove tormenting the sub with questions like "What's the difference between 'I'm at the office' and 'I'm in the office'?"

Lucky for me, after a couple of months of desk work, I was feeling like that student-teacher I once was back in the TESL program some 10 odd years ago, just dying to get into the action, hungry for some in-class brain tease. Though I only had half an hour to prep for 3 different class, though I was given the wrong instructions for one of the classes, it was like second nature once I set foot in the classroom. I did my song and dance and watched the smartypants go, "Oooooh~~ maybe I don't know as much as I thought I did....". Joy of being a teacher... heh heh heh.

While I was teaching, I noticed that you were moving around like mad. I felt you mostly when students were doing group work and I rolled around in a chair to help them. You probably got excited 'cause I was excited, or maybe you were just excited when you heard Mommy's voice? Either way, it was sweet and I smiled every time I felt you.

Evidently, those 3 hours of teaching was a real workout for both of us. I felt drained after lunch and sleepwalked home. Passed right out as soon as my head hit the pillow and slept for 3 hours straight. I understand now why, when she was pregnant, Keiko reduced her teaching hours to two and asked for permission to always sit in the chair when she taught. My special higher-intermediate academic writing class at NCCU is opening next week, and I've got to remember to tone it down. The truth is I simply can't teach the way I used to teach with you inside. You know what?! You can punch me in the gut whenever you want me to settle down (Uh-oh~ I'd better be careful with what I wish for).

After the 3-hour nap, I reluctantly went back to work 'cause I had to observe a teacher's evening reading class. I could feel the energy surge when I was walking to the classroom, and sure enough, you started moving a lot again during class. This time, however, Mommy wasn't teaching, so it couldn't be that you were excited to hear my voice. Perhaps it's because you simply love being around people and, I know it's odd to say this now, but I really like that about you.

I look forward to feeling you more and learning what turns you on (.... never quote me outside of this context please). I have a funny suspicion that you're a friendly sociable person who's a big nerd at heart... just like your daddy.