Erin Hoops
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Erin Hoops |
You’ve been invited to instruct eight, forty minute phys ed classes, on basketball (naturally), with 28 grade five kids in it with basically no basketball skills, but lots of enthusiasm.
The baskets are set at seven feet high. The balls are size five. There’s a ball for every kid. Thank goodness.
First session – initial observation – everyone in warm-up, free play, romp time, demonstrates their inability to sink anything. Shooting is naturally from beyond any range that ensures a consistent level of scoring.
Eight session later – one of the class midgets (3’ 6” high) comes up to you, big smile on her face, “I got all four in.”
You smile too at the accomplishment and personal pride the child has in her new skill level. “Go sink two more.”...
She’s back. “I made them. That’s six in a row.”
“Go sink two more.”...
She’s gone...
She’s back...
She’s gone...
She’s back...
The class ends...
She’s back...“I’ve made fourteen.”
She’s smiling. You’re smiling.
The sense of accomplishment swells her chest.
Your’s too for that matter...
Disappointment. There’s no chance to take this further. Class is over.
Life goes on...A love of ball has been born...
Patrick Suessmuth
Erin Hoops