3rd grade. Memories. As a student.
I still remember that year as one of the best grades I was in.
My teacher was so pretty.
I'm almost certain.
If someone were to ask me to describe her, I couldn't.
But she must have been very pretty because that is how I think of her.
And nice, too.
And young.
Probably fresh out of college.
During that time, when I was an 8 year old girl, I think about the mandatory oral report we had to give.
On something.
I was so nervous.
So worried about making a mistake.
Fortunately, my wonderful teacher made me feel confident.
Encouraged me.
I did it.
The report.
Nervously.
But I did it.
My teacher wasn't mean, but the teacher in the neighboring classroom was.
So I heard.
On the playground.
During one of the conversations kids had.
That teacher's meanness was on display one day, so I knew those kids were telling the truth. She made a non-behaving kid stand at the blackboard and erase a giant circle she had drawn, with his nose!
Seriously.

Now, I teach 3rd grade.
With interest.
I watch the young kids interact.
Notice that they have similar personalities to those when I was in the 3rd grade.
They relate just the same.
Sometimes kids are rude.
To each other.
Sometimes sweet.
Sometimes focused during lessons.
Sometimes not.
And the class-clown continues to entertain everyone.
Including me.
Yet, as the teacher, I can't laugh.
Like I would as a kid.
Teachers must maintain control.
Focus.
Save the laughter for later.
Same grade - two times.
Both rewarding.
(contribution for GBE2 - word prompt: time)
(contribution for GBE2 - word prompt: time)