One of "those kids"

In my school we have those kids who are adored yet predictable.  They are the ones who do not handle a change in routine very well.  They need lots of warnings before transitions.  "Five more minutes and then we clean up."  "Two more minutes then we go inside." They are the kids that can freak out with an unexpected fire drill or a sudden change in plans.  And when those events occur, staff goes into overdrive to help those kids through transition trauma.  Helping those kids is what I do in my job.

 

Today I realized that I am one of "those kids."

 

While I was away from work last Friday helping with a wedding some changes occurred at my school.  During Friday's teacher workday, it was announced that I am being moved from my current large 3 and 4 year old classroom to a smaller classroom to teach 2 and 3 year olds.  I was made aware of the change via an e-mail this Monday morning.  I didn't freak out.  But I realized everyone thought I would.  Throughout the week I have had a variety of staff come up and ask me how I was with that look of caution in their eyes. When I say I am really fine the look changes to one of surprise.  I have had it occur numerous times this week. That is when it finally dawned on me.  I am one of "those kids." 

 

I do not transition well.  I have known that for some time but did not realize how much everyone else realized it.  But the truth is I am the teacher who needs e-mails of changes, days in advance. I am the person who wants the schedule for events way ahead.  I am the one who freaks out when I am informed that they are pulling one of my class staff, as they are pulling them.  You see, I am not all that different from the children that I teach.  I am transitionally challenged. 

 

The thing about "those kids" is sometimes they will really surprise you.  Staff is on guard ready to intervene when the tantrum starts.  It is because we love them and we want to help them through it.  And then while we are waiting for flapping and flailing, that kid is calm and cool rolling right along.  We stand in awe.  We do the happy dance and offer high fives, high tens and twenties. It is a moment for rejoicing.

 

My coworkers surprised me.  I felt really loved by their concern and care.  Evidently I surprised them as well. I didn't flap or flail.  (Well just a little today when I was sorting and packing my classroom stuff for the move to my new room.) For the most part I have welcomed the change with acceptance and even appreciation.  I am making the transition and not freaking out, not yet anyway. And that is cause for rejoicing.