Did you get fired??!!

Well, I've made it through the first week of school. I guess, considering that I don't actually have classes this year, that's not as big of an accomplishment as if I had just had to spend 5 days trying to get 2.5-6 year olds to understand that their mommy and daddy love them, but they're not coming to get them until 4. Actually, I take that back. I did make a few (2) appearances in the P1 classroom. Snot and tears would be the two words I use to describe the experience. After that, I decided to fullfill my roll as the Grandparent of the Kindergarten. You know, the one that get's to go in, play with the kids, have fun, but has no responsibility to teach them anything :) So, I also made a few (2) appearances in the P2 classes to see my old kids from last year. I was attacked by shouts of "GOOD MORNING TEACHER JANAI!!!!!" Apparently, after a whole year, that's all they learned. Maybe I was a grandparent last year too. (haha)

On Thursday I ventured out to the Elementary School playground during their recess hour. While some may consider that a death wish (ball flying head high in every direction, little people everywhere, EVERYWHERE), I wanted to see my old, old kids. The ones I had taught as K1ers, and who had now graduated across the courtyard to the Elementary school. Before long, one spots me. It's Julia, one of my native English speakers. She comes running at me, flower buds filling up her hands. As she shows me how to pop the buds so that the flower springs forth we talk about the new year.

Julia: What kids are you teaching this year Teacher Janai?

Me: I'm not teaching this year.

Julia: You're not teaching? What are you doing? (she was very upset, suprised, and concerned)

Me: I'm making a magazine.

Julia: After you make the magazine who are you going to teach? (not teaching was not an option)

Me: I'm not teaching at all, I'm making the magazine all day.

At this point Julia got pensive, then, very seriously, she looked up at me and asked... "Did you get fired??"

Apparently if you don't teach, you don't work. :)