There is always that time in school when a massive fieldtrip or event pulls more than half of the student body away. Today is one of those days. We have an annual showing of the best of our school (Extravaganza) that is having its final rehearsal all day in a theatre downtown. This has left a small grouping of students at our school – most of them the “non-musical theatre” kind. A lot of them are the kids that I work with every day and every afternoon. But – with so few other students here – and none of their scene partners – it’s going to be one of those days. Although administrators would not like or value the “casualness” of the day, it is actually a day of some unique learning. Just to the side of me are a group of 4 senior boys – all so very different – – going to different colleges – and each with their own unique set of skills. They are some of the best our school has created. They are the most passionate and hardworking. But today I can hear them as they joke and clown around with each other. They are on a bit of a break from the incredible demands that the school has placed on them for four years. I am not sure I remember them in the Blackbox, as they are today, so free of rehearsals. For a moment they are not asked to carry themselves like the various, adult men that they have been playing in show after show. Now they are able to act exactly like high school boys – comparing episodes of TV’s Drunk History. I can hear just a touch of melancholy in their voices as they know this gathering of the “leading men in high school” is coming to an end – and a fear that college might not celebrate them as they were celebrated in high school. When I walk by they can instantly snap to “shop talk.” They can throw out their insights into Stanislavsky and Meisner. They can put on a show for me.
But I am going to sit right here at the laptop. I am not going to get them back on task. They ARE on task. They are being boys.
8 comments on “Sitting to the Side”
Great!! It’s so important to remember that our kids are kids. They need to have time to appreciate all aspects of themselves, not just the hard-working, on-task side. Creativity flows when minds are at ease.
🙂
I’ve had very few moments like these when I was in high school. Our arts teacher was a very talented lady and she always made sure that we’re giving our best, regardless the event. I enjoyed those off-moments but I could barely wait to get back on track and do what I love most.
I can relate. I love teenagers, and spend a lot with them due to a church responsibility. I get a kick out of listening to them banter back and forth, and sometimes find myself “sitting to the side” and listening – enjoying flashback to my own teen years.
I agree with Andrea. Every child needs to be in the childhood and enjoy the freedom and every activity he or she wants. Some kids are good in math and other are good in art, so parents and other adults should not force them to be perfect in every task and remember that they are just kids.
100% agree with LilyJane, we should not impose our drives on kids but should encourage them in co-circular activities. I always miss such memories of my school time. In fact extra circular activities have great “educational” potential for kids and teenage.
I’ve heard people say their high school years were some of the best in their lives (of course others, like me, would say the opposite).
I feel this is because when we grow up, suddenly life is no longer fun. It’s filled with responsibilities. No more play time. Work and more work – whether it’s at the office, or taking care of others.
I love that you sat back and not only observed these boys freely being themselves, but you’ve recorded the experience.
There’s a life lesson here. To me, that is “don’t die with your music still in you”. It’s actually a quote by Dr. Wayne Dyer. It could mean several things, but to me, it’s about living your life with a sense of fun, wonder, creativity and joy.
I sincerely hope these kids get to read this. It’ll remind them of the magic of boys just being boys – harming no one.
Adults can still rejoice in allowing their inner child to come out and play. Where humans get confused is when being a child means immaturity. These are two completely different concepts.
Allow that inner child to express their enthusiasm – and the repressed angry kid within won’t exist.
You hit the nail right on the head. They are being boys and when you break things down, like the conversation they were having, you were going about the situation just the way you should have been.
Being boys and having fun is probably the best task they have – at least they’re being authentic! It’s always fun when the routine gets interrupted a big and everyone’s left guessing about what’s going to happen next. I love days like that.
I hope you enjoyed that day, too!