Step back, buddy

So my summer camp students say, "We want to have a talent show."

So I say, "Sure."

And it went superbly well because I stepped back and let them run it.  Oh, yeah, I kept a finger on certain things - I vetoed their attempt to make it a competition with winners and losers, I figured out and operated the lights and audio system in the little auditorium - but mostly I just let them have their show.

When you say "sure" to kids, they have the opportunity to impress you.

One girl scheduled all the acts, went home and typed up an order of events, and then served as MC.

Another girl bought big award stickers and presented them to all participants afterward.

And the kindergarten class came to watch and laugh and cheer.

Then, at the end, someone said, "Let's have a dance party."

I said, "Sure."

And it was fabulously fun.

Audition time

Today I held the second round of auditions for the school talent show.  This round was for all who were somewhat or totally unprepared for the first round - more a second chance than a second round.  What brutal realities.

Common exchange:

• Me: So, are you ready to audition now?
• Student: Yeah.
• Me: You have the music for your song now?
• Student:  No.
• Me: What song are you singing?
• Student:  Hm ... maybe ... um ...
• Me: (Slaps own head.)

Which reminds me of how much we HUMANS want but are unwilling to do for what we want.  At least these kids have the excuse: I'm a kid.  What's my excuse?