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I did not like them one bit when I was in school!

I remember having to do lots of them in 3rd grade.  It didn’t matter how much I enjoyed reading the book I was reporting on.  Stand up straight, speak loudly and clearly (enunciate!), don’t rush, make eye contact, etc.  I remember the pit in my stomach while I waited for my turn at the front of the class.

Because of my experiences, I was surprised by my eldest’s recent oral report.  Yes, I know he is so much like my husband, but I was still surprised.

The assignment was a biography of his choosing.  After reading the book, he was to take notes on 3×5 index cards, and then, while in costume, share this person’s life details and accomplishments with his class.  Parents were invited to watch.  I hesitated, wondering if my presence would be more of a hindrance than a help.

It turns out that my presence was completely immaterial (other than providing help during the costume change).  He sauntered to the front of the class, cracked a joke (which he told me he was going to do, but I didn’t believe he would), and then gave his report – no big deal.

Confidence is good.

He chose to report on Neil Armstrong, so we had fun putting his costume together.  His dad suggested a hazardous-materials suit which they then “decorated.”

The suit was perfect because it was so big.  We just bunched up the arms and legs then secured the suit with duct tape around his wrists and calves (he wore black rubber boots).

We called Grandpa in CA and asked about his flight helmet – he put it in the mail.

Thanks Grandpa!

Maybe for his next oral report, I won’t be so nervous!