Crazy Eyes

Nico started pre-K this year at my school. I'll admit I was a little apprehensive at first because he's not exactly a happy-go-lucky, go-with-the-flow kind of kid. Nico is basically a grumpy old man in a 4 year old's body. So, I wasn't quite sure how that would play out in a school setting.

But, it turned out to be the best thing for him. It's really helped him grow up A LOT. No complaints from his teachers, and Nico contends that school is "good" because he "tries to make happy choices". He's made friends and is very into learning the letters so he can read like Mateo.

And even though most mornings I'm on the verge of losing my mind due to watching both boys and trying to get ready for my students, Mateo enjoys having Nico at school with us. He also enjoys reminding Nico on a daily basis that he is "only in Pre-K" which by the way makes him "still little".

Recently, Nico made a turkey out of construction paper and fake feathers. He was excited to show me what he made and tell me exactly how many feathers it had. When we got home he said, "Now hang that chicken up! I don't want Daniela to touch it."

So the Thanksgiving chicken joined the Jack-o-latern,the letter S make out of glitter glue, and his star student certificate on the tack board in his room.

The next day, when I dropped him off at Pre-K, I told one of his teachers how proud he was of the "chicken" and that we hand to hang it up.

"Aren't those eyes great! They really make the turkey cute." she replied.Uh-oh. Busted. I have no idea what she's talking about I just kind glanced at the thing.

"Oh, I didn't really look very closely at the eyes, what are they like?"

"They were all different. Some had glasses, some had long eyelashes. It was interesting to see which eyes the kids picked. It really reflected their own personalities."

Hmmm. Now this got me curious to see which eyes Nico picked.

So after school I asked him, "Nico, do you remember what kind of eyes you picked for your turkey?"

"Yes. Crazy eyes." he replied.

"Oh, why did you pick crazy eyes?"

"Because everybody chases that turkey around and around and it drives him crazy. It's a mad, crazy turkey."

I know the feeling. I empathize with that turkey. Quite a fitting sentiment for the holiday season, I'd say. So when we got back home, I looked at the turkey and, sure enough, it looked pissed. I'd say his teacher's observation was correct.