kids

Family Glue

Posted on by Seniye Groff

Last night I met my friend Victoria to celebrate her new job.  We commiserated about the elusive work/life balance, motherhood, bosses, sacrifices and other trivial gossip.  We munched on appetizers and dinner, drank flowing wine and took a few bites of two disappointing desserts that descriptions sounded better than they actually tasted.  At nine p.m. I noted a call from home but chose to ignore it as I enjoyed my few hours of freedom. 

I arrived home at 10 p.m. weary from so much talking and laughing.  It was a good weary…a satisfied weary.  I immediately heard my ten-year old stomp down the stairs in record time.  She launched herself to my chest with a thud as tears streamed down her cheeks. 

I asked, “What’s wrong?”  

She tearfully replied, “You were gone so long!”

It is great to feel missed and needed but I had left at six p.m. with the meal prepared, homework completed and piano practiced.  Four hours away.  I rarely , and I mean rarely, go out by myself.  Yet, for my daughter the hours seemed indefinite.  And no matter how overdue I felt my reprieve was, it quickly came to an end with three little words, “I missed you”.  Ah, the joy and duty of motherhood.

Fourth Graders

Posted on by Seniye Groff

I have gone back to school.  No, it is not what you think…no Ph.D. in my future.  Instead I have elected to volunteer to teach fourth grade technology to 76 fourth graders!  Due to budget cuts, the teaching position was eliminated.  I could not fathom these kids not getting this very important information, though.  Now let me say, that I have no experience or training teaching elementary kids.  All I know is that I have a smart, inquisitive fourth grader that is thrilled to have me in the classroom with her.  She even mentioned “that she would help me out if I fumbled at times.”

So I began creating my lesson plans with all my naiveté.  I figured, “At least kids aren’t afraid of the computer!”  As I began my first class, though, I underestimated the condition of the computers.  Even for adults, if the computers are not working or do have the programs needed, it is disruptive to the learning process.  I spent almost the entire classroom time trying to troubleshoot computer problems.  Beyond that, I did manage to run through a scavenger hunt with the kids.  They were quick to raise their hands or even just shout out the answers.  So, if nothing else, they are engaged, which is a great first step.

It is going to be a fun school year exploring technology with energetic, unfocused, inquisitive kids!  I will keep you posted on my progress.

 kidsThanks for reading!