Today, my students (3rd grade) were busy working hard on a Social Studies independent assignment. Everyone was so focused. You could hear a pin drop in there. Every teacher's dream right?
Apparently, not mine.
I was bored. So, I went to my computer and put on
Kiss, by Prince, and I just started dancing.
At first, my kids just looked at me like I was crazy. Then, slowly, and without saying a word, 2 of my students got up out of their seats and started to sway awkwardly back and forth. The others looked around with uncertainty. Some of them seemed annoyed that I had disturbed their quiet work environment. By the 1st chorus, more than half of my class was up and out of their seats. The rest of them needed a bit of encouragement. So I silently gestured to them that it was okay.
Pretty soon, it was a full out
DANCE PARTY. There were a few chuckles and some nervous laughter, but other than that, no one said a word. We just danced and danced.
When the song was over, everything returned to normal. I sat back at my desk, and my students (every single one of them) resumed their quiet activity, no questions asked.
No one mentioned it for the rest of the day. It was like it never even happened. But, it did. And I'm glad I had that moment with my kids. I hope they can look back and realize that everything doesn't have to be serious all the time. It's okay to have some fun and live a little.
It's these moments that truly count.
Thanks, Prince.