Two Visits for Three Schools

This week concluded most of my school visits for the year. On Thursday, I went to two campuses of one school and Friday was a virtual classroom.

I have been going to the main campus of first school for several years. The teacher, Mrs. K, is very familiar with me and my routine. The inner-city school typically has very active students with a diverse background. I came in as the class was in the library and got settled in among the desks. As I read names, Mrs. K noted the school is now attracting more families from a Spanish background than African. I was thankful to see I could read most of the student's names this year, which hasn't always been the case.

After the kids returned, I did my regular presentation and noted the class was MUCH calmer than previous years. Mrs. K always does a good job in keeping order in the room, but this group was exceptional. Less than two hours later, and after lunch, I was at the school's west campus to speak with 15 kids from 2nd through 5th grade.

My caregiver and I found the stately, older style, church building and was let in by a maintenance person. The interior was completely opposite the outside with fully modern carpet, walls, and signage. However, the first floor was completely devoid of people with no sign of a school anywhere. We found a brochure to the school and called the number listed for the campus we were apparently in, but couldn't find. Shortly after calling, two women appeared from an elevator and guided us to a room with several chairs, a small inaccessible stage, and faux windows with blue lights. Not long after, children appeared from somewhere in the building that we never saw.

Even with the diverse age group, questions went well and the students seemed to catch on. I apparently didn't specify clearly that markers or pens would be needed for the writing section and a teacher brought a large bag of pencils. They worked for the demonstration, but pencils were much harder to use and not comfortable on mouths. Thankfully, Friday's virtual visit with 3rd graders in Minnesota went well with no unexpected twists.

For almost every class though, I forgot or skipped at least one point I always cover. After 21 years of doing nearly the same presentation multiple times a year, you would think I could do it easily. I guess the quad life is getting older, and I had more affects from last fall's medical trouble than I thought.

One more school remains, but not until mid-May. I don't like that my visits went so quickly this year, but I didn't miss any regular schools and actually added one. Quick or slow, I'm thankful for the opportunity and getting to teach about God's world and love for all abilities.