Makes what I do worth it, even the crazy days

its 5 o'clock somewhere and instead of pouring a cocktail; I pull out the small watermelon that was gifted to our room to explore.  

We don't just cut up fruit and eat it.  We explore.  What is this?  can I pick it up?  how do we open it?  what color is it inside?  will it be messy?

I hold the bottom of the fruit as the kiddos each take a turn using their strong arms to lift it- most can, even our smallest

I pause for a moment waiting for inspiration.  What shall we do with this fruit.

a game
a rolling game
where take turns rolling it and catching it
on the table top
with paint!!!

Best idea ever.
a dob of red paint for the watermelon to roll through as it travels across the table.

As we rolled it back and forth we noticed the watermelon was making roads
When we added blue paint, we noticed the roads mixed to form a new color
We realized that we had to make sure a friend was ready before we rolled it to them
We sharpened our reflexes to catch the watermelon at the edge of the table
     most of the time


Some kids played for a few moments then left
Some stayed the whole time
Some declared it "messy!" and somehow managed to play without touching paint
Some bothered by the mess, but wanting to play washed their hands after each turn

For 30 minutes this game continued
until finally we had to stop and clean up
as we're collectively scrubbing the table a little one announced
Carri, you're my bestest teacher


And that is why I teach 
    and wear play clothes and use washable paint