Oh boy! Was I going to be able to handle this?
I didn't know, but it was go time. So no time to think about it. And I knew, if I didn't jump into action fast, failure was certain.
So jump I did
First thing, let's get them into their stances.
"Okay everyone, step back with your right foot. Pivot on the balls of both feet. Then raise your left hand!!!"
Bodies went in all directions. Left feet stepping forward. Right feet stepping sideways. Right hands flailing.
I tried to find at least one that had got the instructions right. Just one I could use as an example.
None.
They had tried to get into position, but they used the wrong limbs and went in all the wrong directions. Lots of effort though.
Well except for a few
Like little Jimmy, he was making faces at himself in the mirror.
And Thomas, he was poking Susie then trying to look all innocent. He hadn't figured out that I could watch his every move in the big 60 foot mirror that stretched across the entire front wall. Poor boy!
And of course, there was Alex, the kid that, just before class, downed three sodas like he was a frat boy with a beer bong and then followed it up with a huge hit off his albuteral inhaler. He was just spinning and spinning and spinning.
I got the feeling it was going to be a long day.
But in the end, it was an amazing day.
And I am so grateful for that day. Because that's where it all began.
That's when I discovered how teaching proprioception and boosting confidence were such powerful ingredients for helping struggling students.
Discovery!
That sounds like I instantly realized how important this was.
Yeah, I wish I was that smart.
Actually, it took me another 15 years before I really figured it all out. So I'm a little slow.
But that's still a discovery right?
Please say yes.
Here's how it really went down.
Parents started coming in. They'd drop by and say things like:
"I really don't understand it, I don't know why, but Johnny has started doing well at everything. He's following directions at home. Cleaning his room. He's a joy to be around. And, incredibly, his grades are way up. It has something to do with your classes. I don't know what you are doing but Pleeeeeeaaasssse keep doing it"
At first, I just took the compliment and smiled. Because truthfully I had no idea how I was doing it, or if it was even me.
Until it happened again. And again. And again.