Spotlight Student

It's was Tayshaun's turn to be the Spotlight Student of the Day. So Tuesday night we prepared for the big day. We went to the store and Tayshaun selected some treats for his classmates and we bought a posterboard to tack on some photos. So as we selected photos, we talked about all of Tayshaun's favorite things and we talked about how he was going to explain the photos and events on the posterboard the next day.

On the way to school the next morning, Tayshaun talked about all the things the Spotlight Student gets to do like wear a crown, help the teacher, get a new pencil, etc, etc.

After the classroom finished their preliminary activities of the day, it was time for Tayshaun to give his big speech. As we waited, Tayshaun tells me "there's too many "people" to talk in front of - you talk". "Come on, Tayshaun, you know all these "kids". There's nothing to it."

But when we got in front of the class, he pretty much froze. I tried to conversate about the things we'd talked about the night before. I told him I'd start talking and he could help me. He did contribute a little but he mostly squirmed on the floor - he actually got down on his belly and talked to the floor. And when he was standing, he had his hand in his mouth while he talked. Poor kid, I didn't realize he was so shy in front of "people" - even the "people" he plays with three times a week. After I (I mean "we") talked about his photos, the kids got to ask him questions. Tayshaun was really good about answering and he finally came off the floor and stood to reply. He had a very bashful voice and he fidgetted while he talked.

Well, you think you know your kids until you see them in a different environment. I don't think Tayshaun will be much of a public speaker - unless he plans on attending a toastmasters event or something.

So there's my cute little Spotlight Boy!