So today we had this thing in America called the inauguration for the new president of the United States. My school is awesome, and carved out time during first and second modules for the students to be able to watch it. I wasn’t too sure how they’re reactions would be, and I was definitely ready to put out fires quickly and nip the negativity in the bud, but man oh man my kids so got it. It was such a great thing to get to watch through their eyes.
And of course they are in the 12-14 year old range, so some silliness and laughter was to be expected.
Here were my fave moments:
Student: “So where are they anyway? I mean, I know they’re in Washington, but where exactly?”
Me: “I’m pretty sure it’s the Capitol building.”
Katie: (Gasps.) “It is! There’s the Washington Monument in line with it, just like in our books!”
Me: (So proud.)
(We happened to have a picture of D.C. in our math books because we were doing a section that involved grids, so D.C. was the city of choice used to show a gridded city system. We actually had a lengthy discussion a few weeks ago about the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial being on a straight line with the Capitol.)
Me, while the chorale was singing: “Guys, can we talk about that first guys’ speech? I just love how he pointed out that the second election was so much more important than the first, since the idea of transferring power peacefully was not really something that happened during that time period. You all know, a lot of time power in a country is transferred through violence and bloodshed, so isn’t it so incredible that our country is one of those where the leaders have always graciously given up power, even to those who they don’t agree with? It’s giving me goosebumps, I don’t know, maybe it’s just because I’m an adult now, so it’s affecting me a lot today.”
Lauren: “Or maybe you’re cold!”
Announcer: “Please welcome Chuck Schumer.”
Sam: “Oh, I love that guy! He’s got the best glasses!”
(And sure enough, Chuck Schumer had good glasses.)
Supreme Court Justice: “Vice President Elect Pence, raise your right hand.”
All my students: Raise their right hand.
Me: “Uh, you guys all know you’re not being sworn in, right?”
