Though chilly today, 2G managed to get a boatload of All-School Gathering practice in.
A SCRIPT
In the Reading rotation, students practiced reading through the opening. Ms. Erin reports 2G was EXCITED! We have (the beginnings of) a script!
A NEW SONG
In the Phonics rotation, students got to practice a new song.
It’s still the familiar 12-bar blues (from New Orleans, Louisiana), but the words are specific to the 2021 All-School Gathering!
(The R-E-S-P-E-C-T Song is more generic. Many classes have sung this version.)
It Takes Real Courage to Be Kind
C-O-U-R-A-G-E
C-O-U-R-A-G-E
C-O-U-R-A-G-E
Be kind!
Be kind!
It takes real courage to be kind!Like when everybody’s picking on Joe
Nobody likes him, he’s got to go
You know it’s not nice
You know it’s not kind
But telling him he’s dumb
Why it feels so fineBe kind!
Be kind!
It takes real courage to be kind!You tell your friends to cut it out
We’re hurting Joe’s feelings, What’s that about?
Your friends look at you like you’re a traitor
But you stick to your guns, I’m no hater!Be kind!
Be kind!
It takes real courage to be kind!Now you and Joe you’re the best of friends
He knows you’re courageous and you will defend
People in trouble, people hurting inside
You’re a superhero, people know you can flyBe kind!
Be kind!
It takes real courage to be kind!
Discussing the meaning of the lyrics was a fascinating exercise in building background information and learning to abstract.
Who is Joe?
What is courage?
Can you describe courage in a way that includes all the examples and stories you’ve told about courage?
What’s the opposite of courage?
What’s a traitor?
Can you describe traitor in a way that includes all the examples and stories you’ve told about someone being a traitor?
What does “stick to your guns” mean?
Why does it sometimes take courage to be kind?
One student said, “Our new words are better. Our song has a STORY in it!”
Before long we’ll have a video of the song up so students can practice at home.
LEARNING TO CARRY CARPETS SAFELY
Before we carry carpets to and from the gym, we thought it a good idea to practice in a safe environment. (Good decision!)
Only one group had a chance to practice today.
The other two groups really got into practicing the new song. “Can we do it again? Can we do ALL of it? Can we try it without you singing?” (They let me play the guitar.)
Stay tuned for video of the other groups next week.
Lots of students said, “My arms hurt!” and “This is hard work!”
Mean Dr. Cat just said, “ARG! You’ll be stronger by the end of February! You’re Vikings! You’re Jedi! ARG!”
(2G wants a Viking skit — with Viking armor — and a Jedi skit — with noodles as lightsabers — in the All-School Gathering.)
WHOLE-CLASS STREAMER PRACTICE
We’ve practiced in our 3-Station Rotation groups, but never before as a whole class.
Not bad for our first outing, tho’ some students thought “walk shoulder to shoulder in a line from the church to the stage” meant “it’s a race”!
(The first video clip had to be slowed by 50% to make it useable! : )
Again, some students said, “My arms hurt!” and “This is hard work!”
To which mean Dr. Cat just said again, “ARG! You’ll be stronger by the end of February! You’re Vikings! You’re Jedi! ARG!”
We’re on a roll!
Back on Monday.