I had a great time this morning speaking at a winter camp for middle school kids. They were so lovely, well-behaved, and inquisitive. I would like to give myself all of the credit, but I'm sure it helped that about 10 moms were sitting at the back of the room.
- Photo zone: One of the students came over to me, holding her cell phone, apparently hoping to take a photo. I consented, then she pretended to be shy. We took the photo, then a few minutes she came back to take another photo. Then a line began to form!
- Questions: They had so many questions! Some of them were prepared in advance, but some of them were directly in response to things I said.
- Moms: Yes, having them in the back of the room probably had a lot to do with kids remaining focused for so long. Educators often have mixed emotions about stay-at-home moms and stay-at-school moms. Both have their problems in dealing with them, and I'm sure may feel some pressure when moms are there, but it was great for me!
- I didn't dumb down the presentation, I talked to them like they are the Little People they are.
- The topic was not about North Korean refugees, but one of the students asked me about TNKR!
2021 comment: These kinds of speaking opportunities at schools and camps are all gone!
Q & A time
Photo time with students in groups
Group Photos, including the moms
Then bonus time for students who had more questions and wanted more photos