Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: MUSIC (04/02/20)
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TITLE: The Drum | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marilyn Meiners
04/03/20 -
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I walked into my Sunday School class that Sunday morning excited to meet my group of eight-year old girls. “They can be a handful.” I was told by their former teacher, Mrs. Peterson. “They need lots of attention. I am getting too old to try and handle their enthusiasm,” she went on to say.
I was excited to meet these precious eight-year old girls. Because I am a teacher by profession, I felt I could handle anything God brought my way, even rowdy, enthusiastic eight-year old girls.
By the way, my name is Miss Emma Jamison. Easter was next Sunday. I took a few minutes to add some Easter decorations to the room. Pink Easter grass with colored eggs laying on top. A purple Easter basket filled with chocolate bunnies. An empty tomb drawn on the white-board, with the words “He Is Alive!” written with a bright red marker. Although not a great artist, it was a good replica of the empty tomb found on Easter morning.
One-by-one eight little girls began showing up for class. I introduced myself to them, memorizing their names as they came. Patty, who told me she loved all kinds of dogs. That she herself had a Poodle named Sparky.
Callie and Corinne entered the room. They were adorable twins, dressed alike in their green T-shirt with matching green flowered tights. One sported pigtails; the other a ponytail. Identical twins with enough energy for the entire class. I would soon learn they were the ring-leaders of the group. Natural-born leaders were these two.
Jamie introduced herself to me and was quick to add that she was from China and adopted by “the most wonderful parents in the whole world.” She proudly announced that one day she was going to visit China and see where she was born.
“I hope that happens for you,” I gently said.
Patty arrived, giving me a high five. Spotting the chocolate bunnies, she immediately marched in that direction, unwrapping a yellow bunny, popping the delicious treat into her mouth. “She loves chocolate,” Callie said. “If you have chocolate every Sunday, Patty will be here for sure.”
I would have to remember that sweet tip.
Megan and Allie arrived arm-in-arm. I could tell they were best friends and probably inseparable as well. “Hi teacher,” Megan said. “Glad to meet you. Did you know next Sunday is Easter? I have a new dress to wear. Allie is getting her new dress this week. What are you going to wear?”
“Hi girls. I really haven’t thought about my dress for next Sunday. What do you suggest?”
“Hmmm, maybe something blue to match your eyes,” and with that they ran off to sit at the table together, but not before grabbing a chocolate bunny.
The last little girl to arrive was Alex. A quiet little girl. I would soon learn that Alex was mildly autistic. I also noticed that Alex went off to be by herself. “She doesn’t take part in anything” Jamie offered. “We just let her alone.”
“Well,” I said, “we will have to do something about that.”
No little girl in my class was going to feel unloved or unworthy. I would do all I could to engage her in our class. How I would do that I wasn’t sure but I would come up with something.
“Okay girls, let’s begin with a song. Does anyone have a favorite.”
“Jesus Loves Me” the girls said in unison.
“Okay, come gather around the piano and we will sing.”
Emma noticed that Alex continued to sit at the table by herself, watching all that was going on.
“Alex, would you like to join us too?” asked Emma.
Alex shook her head, and continued to watch.
“Now, girls, let’s begin.” As the girls were singing Emma noticed Alex tapping out the tune with her crayons. She was in perfect rhythm with the music. An idea began to form in her mind.
After class Emma went to Target where she bought a toy drum. The next Sunday the girls arrived in their Easter finest. After they settled, Emma announced they were going to sing. Alex, I brought something for you. Would you like to help us by playing the drum this morning.
Alex got up, came over and sat next to Emma, drum in hand. As the music began, a quiet, autistic girl, played her drum, a big smile on her face.
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