Monday, October 23, 2006

SUFFERING
My sweet son, Rojo, just came into my office to see what I was doing. He came with his smile and a song. His song, "We're Suffering", is one of our favorites. We don't like to suffer, but we love the suffering song.
I was working with Rojo and another "special" friend of his, trying to make math facts more fun. Everytime they got one right, we'd "high five" and I'd say, "Oh, yea, who's on fire?" Like with everything, I beat that dead horse silly, until finally the friend said, "Can I not be on fire anymore?"
"Sure, Sweetie, you don't have to be on fire, but how come?"
"Because I don't like to suffer!"
Realizing, too late, the literal thinking both these boys had, I apologized for suggesting we celebrate their suffering. They both forgave me, and suggested we just switch the chant to, "We're suffering", instead of "Who's on fire?" We decided to "go big" with that. We stood, invented hip movements, a whole snapping of the fingers component, and a bit of a head swirl.
One year later, the three of us are still "suffering", and loving every minute of it.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

The right song makes everything better. I was in my 8 year old son's class this afternoon. To get everyone's attention, the teacher sang "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" and the whole class stopped what they were doing, looked up and sang back "find out what it means to me". I can't wait to go back and hear it again.

Suzy said...

What a sweet story! Funny too... I can imagine what these boys kept invisioning with "Oh yea, who's on fire." Great post Miss Carrie!

Ask Me Anything said...

I can picture you all perfectly.
Too much fun in the Hyper-Link Household!

Michelle O'Neil said...

Even "suffering" would cause a complete panic in our house. Black and white thinking dont'cha know?

Love the R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

You teachers (the good ones) are absolutly amazing.

Anonymous said...

You guys are so wonderful, I love this story.

Thank you, Jennifer

kario said...

Kids are awesome! I love being enabled to look at things from their point of view. Ms. Link, you are Suffering!

riversgrace said...

How great - now I know exactly what you look like and where you were when you were shakin the fire song. What a blessing you are to the little ones.

Anonymous said...

you rock! seriously, a fun mom!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, the song stuck. Not so much for the math facts though!!Luckily Math is not that important!!! Miss you.

pk