The switcher

I am teaching a group of little kids (3-year-old, incredibly smart, fun kids!) and learning so much from them, each and every class. 

Today, for example, I learned what it's like for a kid to feel empowered with the luminary decisions in the classroom. And what it was like for him to act so outrageously free from the "rules" that would keep him sitting down just like the other kids, in a proper place, in a proper position, in a proper way that wasn't genuinely his. He'd switch sits, switch moods, switch songs, and then he found... the light switch! It was such a challenge to have him participating on the activities and leaving the lights on so that 1) everybody could see; 2) the puppet would not be scared (he's afraid of the dark); 3) He were a nice boy; 4) we could all play a game and have fun; 5) the teacher wouldn't be upset; etc etc etc.

Well, after a few attempts to convince him, and after a few ons and offs, he joined the group and we could finally do the activity (of course, not without his eventual desiring looks to the switch). Actually, that was only after he realized the game involved big green balloons that he loved to throw, let go, and see it floating in the air...

At the end of the class, we talked about respecting and being respected, we both agreed and he promised to  behave better next class.

Some regrets, no ill will. As for me, what am I to say about him? --he's just luminary!

                                                                                                                                    off for now.