Saturday, November 12, 2011
Lessons from the Lunchlady: Laughter is the best medicine
I am happy to report that I have picked myself up off the ground and no longer feel like the downed wooden spoon pictured here.
Fore that I have you to thank. This funk is getting better because of my great friends both here in blog land and IRL. Thanks.
This week in the cafeteria I learned a lot.
Most of the kids aren't rude: I made a new bulletin board reminding the kids to say please and thank you and most of them are. Sometimes they need a prompt of two (occasionally more) but most of them are doing it.
Our teachers ROCK. Some of the other lunch ladies complain A LOT about the teachers in their building, but I can honestly say that the teachers in our building treat us with respect. The kindergarten teachers (who go through the lunchline) have been reminding their kids to be polite and respectful to us and for that I am truly grateful. After all, you can't fault a child for not using manners until you teach them what manners are.
We laughed a lot. I think laughter is great medicine. I missed my fall beach trip this year and I think that was one of the reasons I was in such a funk. This week, however, we laughed a lot in the cafeteria and I think it is helping me get back into the swing of things.
Words of Affirmation. I've talked a lot about love languages and how I clearly receive love with words of affirmation (hence the reason I am always begging for adoring comments). That being said, this week I got a lot of positive feedback from my immediate co-workers, from the teachers, from the administration, even from the director of our department. It meant a lot to me to know that maybe the things we do, while menial sometimes, really do matter.
A kindergartner remembered my name. I've joked before that our building is small enough that it is possible to know all the students by their name. This one little boy always seemed amazed when I would call him by his first name. I joked with him often about when he would remember my name. One day he told me that he would remember my name when he "growed up and worked here." A few days ago, when I said hi to him, he said "Hi Miss Wendy. See I tolded you I'd remember your name and I said please and thank you today."
Perhaps, they are listening.
What did you learn this week?
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| Photo credit Terry Border (click photo to see more of his work) |
Fore that I have you to thank. This funk is getting better because of my great friends both here in blog land and IRL. Thanks.
This week in the cafeteria I learned a lot.
Most of the kids aren't rude: I made a new bulletin board reminding the kids to say please and thank you and most of them are. Sometimes they need a prompt of two (occasionally more) but most of them are doing it.
Our teachers ROCK. Some of the other lunch ladies complain A LOT about the teachers in their building, but I can honestly say that the teachers in our building treat us with respect. The kindergarten teachers (who go through the lunchline) have been reminding their kids to be polite and respectful to us and for that I am truly grateful. After all, you can't fault a child for not using manners until you teach them what manners are.
We laughed a lot. I think laughter is great medicine. I missed my fall beach trip this year and I think that was one of the reasons I was in such a funk. This week, however, we laughed a lot in the cafeteria and I think it is helping me get back into the swing of things.
Words of Affirmation. I've talked a lot about love languages and how I clearly receive love with words of affirmation (hence the reason I am always begging for adoring comments). That being said, this week I got a lot of positive feedback from my immediate co-workers, from the teachers, from the administration, even from the director of our department. It meant a lot to me to know that maybe the things we do, while menial sometimes, really do matter.
A kindergartner remembered my name. I've joked before that our building is small enough that it is possible to know all the students by their name. This one little boy always seemed amazed when I would call him by his first name. I joked with him often about when he would remember my name. One day he told me that he would remember my name when he "growed up and worked here." A few days ago, when I said hi to him, he said "Hi Miss Wendy. See I tolded you I'd remember your name and I said please and thank you today."
Perhaps, they are listening.
What did you learn this week?
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About Me
- kisatrtle
- I'm a 41 year old (gasp) freelance writer, school cafeteria manager, wife and mother. I have three children and one anxious and overweight beagle. I use my blog to make others laugh, to share some cool crafts, to document my lunchlady adventures and to lament about the challenges faced by us all on the journey called life. Thanks for visiting. Please leave some crack...um...I meant some comments.
10 random thoughts:
So glad to hear that you're having a much much better week, Miss Wendy!
Sounds like a good week in the lunchroom!
What I learned is that you should never go to renew your license when you need a new picture, after you have been to have dental work done. That side of the mouth that is all numb, really is droopy too. Just got my new license in the mail today......BIG mistake!
First off, I love the photos you've been using. I've see that artist's work before and I love it!
Secondly, it's nice to feel appreciated, no matter what it is that you do.
Thirdly, it's nice to hear "please" and "thank you" and the more people who get involved in emphasizing this with the newest generation, the more chances are the kids will grow up to be polite. And that makes me happy.
Hope you are out of your funk. You are one funny lady!
sounds like a good week
I think it is wonderful that they are "getting it" Miss Wendy! It is amazing how kids can learn! LOL!!!
It sounds like the kids love you. :)
What a difference you make. And that little boy will remember you forever. When he's 40, he'll be talking about you. (By the way, you are no longer Ksatrtle to me, Miss Wendy.)
"Growed up and work here" What a sweet little guy!
I'm glad you are leaving that funk behind. :)
I'm happy that my favorite turtle is smiling again! :)
And yes, words of affirmation are very powerful tools to keep your mind on the right track! They must be repeated and repeated again and again.
Hugs
Jon
Awww that was a typical Kindergartener response! LOL! When he "growed up". That's sweet. Those little ones feed off of us. If we give them positive energy, they unknowingly return the favor.