An Incredible Inauguration

Incredible because of its historical significance, incredible because of the joy, sincerity, and even the minor flubs, and incredible because I watched it with my Super Stars.

Story time, handwriting, learning centers, snack, music and movement, and then, President-Elect Obama's Inauguration.

What first got my Stars' attention was seeing children, two very pretty young ladies, joining all of the "grown ups" on the inaugural dais. "Mrs. Sommerville, those are President Obama's daughters, right? The ones that get to live in the White House?"

"Yes."

Watching other "important people" be greeted on the dais, another student asked "Mrs. Sommerville, where is Obama? Is he last? That's not very fair."

"Teacher, who is he making a promise to again?" "He's promising us that he'll do a good job, protect us, and help us help ourselves and others." "Does he promise everybody, or just the grown ups?" "Everybody honey, all of us."

None of my Stars recognized the lyrics sung by Aretha Franklin, though thanks to our wonderful music teacher, they quickly recognized a violin, cello, clarinet, and piano as "Air and Simple Gifts" was performed.



"Why was the music quiet and slow at first Mrs. Sommerville? It got happy after a while, but why did it start slow?"

"Did they play that music for President Obama or for everyone?" "Everyone." "Wow, that's a lot of people!"

My students were seated for most of the event, except for two key moments when the audience was asked to "Please stand" as the vice-presidential and presidential oaths took place. Without prompting from me, all nineteen of my Super Stars stood quietly, their attention riveted to the television screen.

So of course I cried.

After President Obama's speech, we went to lunch.

Chicken nuggets.

It was a good day.