Here Be Dragons...

On the Jukebox:"What Do You Do in the Summertime?" by Inside Out Acapella
Mood: umm, lukewarm? (Warm heart, cold appendages)
Quote:"Sometimes there are no answers." - Saphira Brightscales
Flair:Trogdor the Burninator

In medieval times mapmakers used to draw dragons on the edges on their parchment maps to denote danger and unknown territories to be explored at one's own risk. When they reached the world's edge they wrote, "Here be dragons!" Such is my life as a primary teacher at the beginning of the new year with a new class. I am handed a roster replete with tiny dragons and told to sally forth, tame them, and give them some religious training.

Easier said than done! When it comes to "Dealing With Dragons" and children I confess that I am out of my depths. Sure, I've taught for many years in various capacities, both professionally and as a volunteer. I like children and shocking as it may seem - I even used to be one, though even then I didn't understand children and preferred the company of adults. Many many years later I still don't understand them any better. Yes, I have read Erikson and Piaget. I am versed in love and logic, but Madam Montessori I'm not! Once my concrete reasoning skills kicked in I have had trouble relating to creatures with less developed minds that can not comprehend abstract thoughts and a large vocabulary. What's worse is now I'm prohibited from using treats to tame them. Every dragon trainer worth their salt knows how vital the bribery of food can be.

"Why don't you understand children?" you ask...

First of all I don't speak their language. Need proof?
Here's a real life example from a lesson on forgiving others:

Sister B. "We should be magnanimous and not hold grudges."
Dragon-Child #1 "Huh, what does that mean?"
Sister B. "Being noble of spirit and generous."
(insert sound of chirping crickets and vacant blinking eyes)
Dragon-Child #2 "Grudge taste good. Sometimes my mom makes peanut butter grudge."
Sister B. "No, no! Not fudge, grudge - an ill feeling."
Dragon-Child #3 "Grudge makes me ill. This one time I threw up in my sister's hat - but she was nice and forgave me."
Sister B. "Yes, that's right. That's the point I was trying to make. We should be kind and forgive others their trespasses."
Dragon-Child #2 "It's okay if we cut through the yard, my dad doesn't care."

Fast-forward a few years down the road, another class, another valiant effort:
Sister B. "So you see sisters, we should be magnanimous to our family as well as to our friends and strangers...."
RS Sisters "Huh?"

I do however know one simple truth, which is you can't teach those that you don't love. "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Is a common saying, but have you ever wondered why? Because it's true, duh! Jesus was the master teacher and before he taught anyone he showed his unconditional love for them. That's a sure fire way to tame a dragon even without a pocket full of sweets.

Footnote: "What's up with Trogdor? I've noticed you have this image on the back window of your SUV."
Ah! Glad you asked. I love dragons or didn't I make that point clear? Of course I don't collect them or anything. I'm not a dungeons and dragons level geek, my fantasy is strictly urban based stuff. Any who, my car's name is Lizzie after the giant green Godzilla dragon monster in the 80's video game "RAMPAGE" - which is like totally awesome. I thought the Trogdor sticker decal was fitting. Plus I used to have the Trogdor ring tone on my phone before I got a new one. It was fun to watch people's reactions to it.

Watch the Trogdor episode of Homestarrunner here:http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail58.html