It snowed today, in case anyone around here missed it. “What do you expect, living in Saskatchewan??” I know where I live, and I know it gets cold early and stay cold late, but we don’t often have snow before Thanksgiving. The morning was cold, but beyond the usual “crisp” cold that we’re all adjusting to. It was swirling and wet and really, really windy.
On days like today, I bundle Dekker up really really warm, and then they stay inside for recess anyway, because its that brutal wet cold that gets to your skin and freezes you out for the rest of the day.
Before I had a kid in kindergarten, I never considered what a lovely break recess is for the teaching staff. I never liked recess in even cool weather. I had in the bathroom. And when I couldn’t do that, I hid in corners and complained. I hated the cold weather, plain and simple. But now, I get it. Especially with kindergarteners.
Its not like they’ll just sit at their tables and quietly look at books while their teacher breathes for five minutes. Nope. Little kids need to be entertained!
When I picked Dekker up, I overheard his teacher speaking to some other parents about recess. “We kept them inside, obviously,” she said. “I pulled out the parachute again.”
The short semi-break the teacher MAY get during recess (but there is never a guarantee) was instantly gone, and organized games and activities were required!
I apologize to my teachers. Whether you taught me in elementary school, high school, or college. I apologize for not giving you the breaks you deserved and likely needed very much on many days. I’m sorry for my cabin fever, and neediness. The moods on days like today are not historically always the most fun to be around. I know this now. More than ever before, I appreciate what you do.
To Dekker’s lovely teacher who doesn’t know this blog exists, thank you for doing all that you do, and sending my son home SUPER HAPPY, regardless of the lack of playground time today. You are an exceptional woman!