Classroom Commotion: a zealous 1st grader

The first day of his kindergarten year, Nelo approached me in the amphitheater and began telling me all about his past weekend. Nelo and I were complete strangers at that point last year. I was shocked at the tenacious joy this young kid had to have to walk up to me, a totally new face in a new place, and share a little bit of his life with me. Now, he is one quarter into his first grade year and one of my most enthusiastic art students. Every project example or little piece of art that I bring to class he always comments, “Mrs. Kerrie, that is beauuutiful.” He sure knows how to make my art teacher heart sing.

In the mornings before staff prayer I am usually in my office behind the amphitheater organizing paperwork or supplies for the day’s classes. The other day, Nelo once again snuck up on me and appeared next to my desk. We exchanged “Good mornings” (this time in English) and he proceeded to tell me about how he drew some pictures over the weekend, then pulled out a toy train from his backpack and continued telling me about his train. (If you haven’t picked up on it by now, you’ll notice that Nelo likes to talk). I mentioned to him that sometimes it is good practice to draw objects that we have in front of us, and maybe he could draw his train or other toys sometime. Well, wouldn't you know it, the very next morning before our flag assembly Nelo comes to find me again and hands me a drawing of his train that he did the night before. “For you!” he said. Now my heart is not only singing, but melting.