2002-09-18 - 9:39 p.m.
LIFE AMONG THE LILIPUTIANS
Day-Hay is often the oldest in her tae kwon do class, usually by several years. She�s also one of the newest members of the class. Despite her recent appearance, her age, flexibility, memory, ballet training, and time at tae kwon do camp combine to make her one of the best in the class. Tae kwon do etiquette dictates that respect is supposed to be bestowed based upon belt level. As Day-Hay is in a school that only allows movement by one level at each testing, she will always remain officially behind some of the liliputians. Nevertheless, every once in a while, the instructors throw etiquette away and recognize reality.
Yesterday was such a day. Testing is coming up this weekend and the kids are required to know a form for movement to the next level. A form is a set of movements. At Day-Hay�s general level, the forms are under twenty movements. For a serious dancer who has performed in complex formations using lots and lots of complex steps, learning a form requires less than half of a one hour class. The second half of the class is spent working on the technique and an additional class is spent polishing. Then Day-Hay disappears until the class right before testing. She appears then just to have the teacher check her technique.
Several liliputians are working on the same form she is. They are all approximately half her age. By rights, the one who has been there longest should be running the practice. But only Day-Hay is absolutely secure in the form and has exquisite technique. So the instructor had a choice: go by rank or have productive practice happen. She chose productive practice.
Day-Hay as leader created a great opportunity for her. I watched her coach the younger kids through the form. I watched her demonstrate. I watched her break apart movements. I watched her use more descriptive words than she usually does, just to make sure that she got her point across. I watched her gently tussle one six-year-old�s hair when his hard work paid off and he got it right. I watched that six-year-old fall in love.
I�ve known for some time that she has the potential to be a great teacher. But all too often, she cedes that area to Kat. Kat�s larger than life personality has made Kat a child magnet for years. Only recently, in corners that Kat does not frequent, has Day-Hay shown her patience and ability with small children. Watching her confidence grow is a joy. I want her to learn that it�s okay to try and succeed at things that Kat is good at and I think that she is beginning to.
Sometimes, as all the fuss and bother that a twelve-year-old girl can muster is crashing and swelling around me, it is hard to remember what an interesting, competent, and terrific person is underneath.
It�s good that it doesn�t require a crystal ball. It just requires a seat in the corner at the tae kwon do studio, a little recognition---and life among the liliputians.
LAST YEAR: Indomitable Force
LAST FIVE ENTRIES:
Treasure
Dry Run
Girl Scout Fun
Delegation
Second String
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Copyright 2006 by Ellen |
