Here is an old photo of the little darlings two Christmases ago when I was their real teacher. They are actually quite darling...
The experience today kind of amazed me, though. Here was a class of girls less than a year away from entering Young Women's who were sprawled out on the floor, noisily fiddling with rocks or pencils, yelling to each other over my voice [during the lesson] as well as over each other's, and sauntering about the room as they wished. Honestly, these are eleven year olds I am talking about. Manners did not exist in this classroom. Well, they were simply not expected of anyone, and neither was focus or respect for anyone or anything. Their hearts are, as always, very pure, but I think the environment was just too lax and the social order too judgmental for them to be very inclined to show it. Ultimately, I was shocked by how important acceptance and attention from peers is for them , but even more amazed by how they attempted to claim it.
Basically, their ultimate goal during class was to make everyone laugh at whatever they said or purposely did. I could tell it was very satisfying to each and every one of them when fits of giggles spilled in their direction. They fundamentally seem to depend on the support of each other. It's crazy - but I totally remember being their age when that was so true for me and my friends. I wonder when each of them will realize why the whole concept is so absurd. I wonder when I did.
But even so, when I was ten and eleven my own primary classes were so much more reverent. We would discuss the gospel, read and memorize our scriptures almost all class - well, that's how it seemed. I remember trying so hard to pay attention to what the words meant, but it was difficult for me to focus at the time, so I really should give these girlies some kind of credit. But someone should set expectaions for them as well. It would be good for them!
The point I'm trying to make is simply that they could do so much better, and I really am curious what factors have made their situation - the whole class dynamic - become so chaotic. Even in our separated classroom, we are still in the Lord's house, and [as I explained to them] we still need to respect the building, the spirit, and our neighbors. Heavenly Father will love us even if we aren't reverent or kind or successful in every thing we do, but we should still try to show our love for Him by respecting the reverence He asks from us when we are in His holy buildings.
It makes me sad to complain so much about these girls, especially since I love them so much. I think what really made me sad, though, was just the fact that I knew they were better, kinder, sweeter and much more mature than that.
