The students at my elementary school are expected to abide by strict hallway procedures,
one of them ironically being "HUGS"
As soon as a teacher says, "Get in HUGS," the kids wrap their arms tightly across their little chests, face forward, and shuffle their two feet into a floor tile and quietly proceed behind their peers.
As an outsider, I've found it quite amusing to watch this take place
every time I enter the building to pull a student out for assessments.
On Friday, I pull two students from their classes.
One first grade boy whose constant smile gives away his missing two front teeth.
One first grade girl with a deep set of dimples and a long braid secured by plastic flower barrettes.
Both are shy but clearly excited to roam the halls with me.
I put on a stern face and whisper, "Give me HUGS," with a clear visual in my head of what was to ensue.
Except before I know it, these two come forward with arms outstretched and hug my legs.
I substitute two words
and strict disciplinarian
becomes teacher who needs some lovin.
These little ones sure know how to melt someone's heart on a chilly Friday afternoon.
