I know who you're going to vote for......

Your kids told me.

Yep.

All was divulged.

Grown up opinions coming from mouths covered in candy corn.

"He's weird."

"He's too old to do the job."

"I don't like him."

"Rock Obama!"

"McCain!"

"Teacher, can I go potty?"

And so went our first introduction to freedom, elections, and the right to vote in our small and loving kindergarten class. It is amazing what a child will retain when in the midst of adult conversations. My five year old students had passionate opinions about both candidates, which led me to believe that at least part of those opinions were formed at the dinner table while mom and dad discussed the economy, healthcare, and the war on Iraq. Or they have nonstop access to CNN.

And I get the privilage of hearing these opinions firsthand during group discussions.

But echoing parental sentiments is not only reserved for topics relating to the upcoming election.

My little munchkins will discuss just about anything you discuss in the privacy of your home. Little people have great listening skills (more commonly referred to as "selective hearing") although I am pretty sure I don't get the conversations verbatim or in their entirety.

Which of course makes for entertaining dialouge.

And since superman is one of my students this year, his front and center presence in my classroom is a constant and gentle reminder to lower my voice when discussing anything from itchy body parts to account balances to which student happened to cause my pounding headache and grumpy mood.

Because ALL will be repeated. In 0ne way or another. And you never know which teacher, neighbor, grocery store clerk or relative is listening.

Just a gentle reminder.

Questioning Myself

It has been almost a month since I last posted.

Not because my life is dull, or I have no opinions.

But because I am a closet writer.

That's right. I have yet to admit to myself that I know I am good enough to blog publicly and build readership and engage people as I spin stories about kids, autism, night time eating and other valuable and important topics.

I question myself.
I wonder if I am good enough.
Witty enough.
Strong enough.
Passionate enough.

But how can I discover that if I continue to cower everytime I see my laptop sitting at the table, beckoning me to log on and type.

I need to write more for me than for you, but i hope you join me on the journey. You may be inspired. You may be bored. You may decide you could care less about what I have to say.

But I am going to say it anyway.

And I am going to hone a skill I have loved but failed to nurture, protect, and practice.

My Writing.