Today I was the Mystery Reader for N's class. Not that it was much of a mystery because N knew I was going to be the reader weeks ago.
I entered the classroom and saw N's teacher reading a book to the students. I observed the children's behavior and realized that holding their attention wouldn't be an easy task. Twenty figety kindergarteners is a tough crowd.
When she finished reading, N's teacher had the children stand up, stretch and shake their sillies out. After they had expended their excess energy, the children sat down and looked in my direction.
"Let's welcome our Mystery Reader," said the teacher. The kids clapped and screamed, "It's N's dad. It's N's dad."
I took a seat in the comfy rocker and introduced myself to the kids.
"I'm Mr. G.," I said. "Does anyone know whose dad I am?"
"N's!!!!!" The class shouted in unison. N sat proudly smiling ear to ear.
"Has anyone ever heard of Max and Pinky?" I asked. Two children raised their hands. I pointed at one of the children and asked him to tell me about Max and Pinky.
"Well," he said. "Max is a boy and Pinky is his pig."
"Right," I said. "And they are best buds." I pulled out The Adventures of Max and Pinky: Best Buds and read it to the class. I used funny voices and invited them to participate in the story. When I finished, they begged for more.
"Do you want to hear another Max and Pinky story?" I asked.
"Yes!!!!" They yelled.
Next, I pulled out The Adventures of Max and Pinky: Superheroes. All of they boys yelped and hollered when I said superheroes. I read with more enthusiasm in order to make the adventure come alive. The kids were still clamoring for more after I finished that book.
"Okay kids," I said. "I only have time for one more book and this one is a mystery." I picked up The Adventures of Max and Pinky: The Mystery and showed it to the kids.
"Ooooooooooh," said the kids.
As I read, I could tell that the children were enrapt by the story. I kept the tension high so they would be eager to know what happened next. I looked up a few times to notice that couple of other teachers had come in to hear about Max and Pinky.
When I finished, the kids gave me a sitting ovation. I was relieved that I was able to keep 20 kindergarteners entertained.
"I really liked those books," said one boy. "Thanks for reading to us."
"Anytime," I said. "I will come back and read to you guys again. Would that be okay?"
"Sure," he said and gave me a high five.
When I picked up N from school, I asked him what his classmates said about my stories.
"They all liked it," said N. "Expect for one boy who thought the books were babyish."
"Babyish?" I asked. "It seemed as if everyone enjoyed the books."
"They did," he said, "But this one boy just likes being difficult."
"Do you want me to come back and read to your class?" I asked.
"Of course I do Daddy," he said. "You are a great reader."
Mocha Dad
