MY FRIEND LISA HAS TAUGHT fourth grade for years. One afternoon, the class set out to strengthen their arithmetic skills by playing a few rounds of QUIZMO (multiplication BINGO). When Lisa placed the basket of Dollar Store prizes on her desk, nine year old Mia, announced how she intended to win the eye-catching pink flamingo. Alas, Sarah won the first round and went up the aisle to choose her prize...which of course was the pink flamingo. Mia, overwhelmed with emotion, dissolved into hidden and quiet tears of disappointment. But as Sarah left the teacher's desk, flamingo in hand, she took the long way back to her seat, discreetly placing the stuffed toy on Mia's desk. Saint Paul writes: Love is patient, love is kind.
At the end of the school year Lisa's fourth graders qualified for the Kickball Tournament which involved everyone, including the special needs students who are part of every classroom. Kickball superstars, Colby, Tristyn and others delayed and fielded poorly so the special needs children could get on base - even to letting others make it home to score. It cost the class the game and the championship. But what cheers when Emily, a classmate with Downs Syndrome, made it home!
