Hey Diddle Diddle - I'm hyperventilating
By cynthiann
@cynthiann (18612)
Jamaica
October 11, 2010 3:05pm CST
Let me explain. Every morning my DIL who is in the Middle East - just a couple of hours from Iraq actually, calls us on Skype. So we can see them om our pc and they see us. This way I get to talk to her and the twins before I leave for work and then I let my son speak to them.
So yesterday my DIL tells me that the twin's teacher is having a week on family life and the twins told her that I would read a story to the class.
So when we are hooked up then they put my image on a big screen in the classroom so that all the children can see me whilst reading.
I used to teach many years ago so I told her that it was not a problem and I would gladly get up at 4 am to read to the class at 4.30 am which would be around 1.30pm their time. School closes at 2pm.
Now all of a sudden I have gone into a panic mode and almost hyperventilated a while ago. Sheer panic rose up in me and my pulse started racing.
I don't know why, but I guess it is because I do not want to let the twin's down and want put on a good performance so that they are proud of me.
My anxiety level has increased and can only remember the story of Goldilocks and the 3 bears. Any suggestions or ideas anyone for reading a story to a class of four year olds? What would you choose?
So yesterday my DIL tells me that the twin's teacher is having a week on family life and the twins told her that I would read a story to the class. So when we are hooked up then they put my image on a big screen in the classroom so that all the children can see me whilst reading.
I used to teach many years ago so I told her that it was not a problem and I would gladly get up at 4 am to read to the class at 4.30 am which would be around 1.30pm their time. School closes at 2pm.
Now all of a sudden I have gone into a panic mode and almost hyperventilated a while ago. Sheer panic rose up in me and my pulse started racing.
I don't know why, but I guess it is because I do not want to let the twin's down and want put on a good performance so that they are proud of me.
My anxiety level has increased and can only remember the story of Goldilocks and the 3 bears. Any suggestions or ideas anyone for reading a story to a class of four year olds? What would you choose?6 people like this
14 responses
@bodhisatya (2384)
• India
11 Oct 10
Wow thats a new and an interesting situation you got yourself into. 
Just be yourself, and I am more than sure that after your little narration of Little Miss Goldilocks, the 'little ones' would be as amazed and spellbound as you make your friends here. They sure are gonna feel proud of Granny!
I adored lil' Red Riding Hood when I was stuttering to pronounce her name in one go at age 4.
Just be yourself, and I am more than sure that after your little narration of Little Miss Goldilocks, the 'little ones' would be as amazed and spellbound as you make your friends here. They sure are gonna feel proud of Granny!
I adored lil' Red Riding Hood when I was stuttering to pronounce her name in one go at age 4.3 people like this
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
11 Oct 10
Young man. Listen carefully. I am not a Granny. All my grands call me Cynthie. It is a tradition going back generations in our family to call our grandmother's by their first names. So I called my GM Kathleen and my kids called my mother Margaret.They know that I am their grandmother but they do not call me that.
I adored Little Red riding Hood too. I am going to explore the link that somecowgirl gave me though, before I really decide. Thanks for your kind words and support
You are such a special mylot friend.
All my grands call me Cynthie. It is a tradition going back generations in our family to call our grandmother's by their first names. So I called my GM Kathleen and my kids called my mother Margaret.They know that I am their grandmother but they do not call me that.
I adored Little Red riding Hood too. I am going to explore the link that somecowgirl gave me though, before I really decide. Thanks for your kind words and support
You are such a special mylot friend.3 people like this
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
11 Oct 10
@ Jo& Bodhi. No you can always tease me. Neither of you are in trouble. It just sounds strange to me.
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
11 Oct 10
Well I think you'll be fine reading whatever you choose. My oldest daughter's favorite book at that age was "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" I don't remember the author but it was a fun read and she loved it.
It sound like so much fun to read to a classroom over the internet. I wish you much success, who knows they may ask you ack on a regular basis.
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
11 Oct 10
It is an International School so many of the children do not have their Grand parents or uncles and aunts around. I think that I can say this one with dramatic effect. Afterwards the teacher can draw out points from the story eg is it right to not hear your mother? I think that this will be a one off but the kids can look in the world map to see where I live in the world. don't know why I am in a panic over it.
1 person likes this
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
11 Oct 10
I think that it's only natural to be nervous doing something out of our everyday routine. I think that it's wonderful that today's technology allows us to be able to interact with our family and friends around the world. It wasn't the case when I was growing up, we didn't even have a phone in my house until I was 11 yrs old.
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
11 Oct 10
Yes, it is wonderful for my son to keep in daily contact with his family. He misses them so much but should be with them for Christmas. I guess that I am nervous because I am older now. But once it starts I should be okay. Many thanks. Oh, I did not see a television until I was 10!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169474)
• United States
11 Oct 10
Aesop's fables are always good and relevant. I like Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See. It has two versions. One where the children see a Teacher Looking at them, and one where they see a Mother Looking at them. Take a deep breath. I know you will do fine.
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
12 Oct 10
yes I do have a copy of Aesop's fables and aI am going to ook for it. Many thanks for the suggestion
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
11 Oct 10
Dawn is having visions of four year olds poking you with sharp sticks.
Seriously, I hope you don't ever have to read for any real critics.
Only things that come to my mind are Dr. Seuss books and Where the Wild Things are. It's already been too long.
Good luck!
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
11 Oct 10
I know the time just passes. I know that I will be okay once I start. The twins love to hear my stories and stupid songs. I mean I won't be seeing them but they will be seeing me. The thought of not hearing the alarm is also sending me into a panic. I guess that I just want them to be proud of me. Silly I know......2 people like this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
11 Oct 10
That sounds cool! You know what I think would be interesting.. even though they're only 4 and won't totally understand yet.. I'd read them something from your Jamaican culture. Is there a particular favorite book amongst preschoolers in Jamaica that maybe isn't heard of elsewhere? What was the twins' favorite book when they were living with you.. or maybe even a favorite book from when your own kids were little. Certainly not something really long.. kids aren't good at holding their attention for longer than 5 minutes or so.
Good luck, hope it works out well.. which I'm sure it will.
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
12 Oct 10
you are brilliant Kat. I cvould read them a local story about a naughty cunning spider whose name is Anansi. I wi do one story - DIL says 2 stories now and then ask questions and fool around and then do the second story. You are brilliant Kat- just brilliant
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
11 Oct 10
HOW SWEET, that the twins want u to do this. That's quite an honor, cynthi & u will do just fine no matter what u choose to read. I HAVE A BOOK HERE W/BIBLE STORIES THAT MY STEP-FATHER gave T.J. when he wasa little. Wish i could loan it to u. I know u should feel honored that the twins thought for u to do this, soooooooo sweet. That just shows u how much they love u. U do good , grandma. Let me know how it goes. love & hugs.
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
11 Oct 10
Thank you Jo. I know that it will be okay. I am amazed at myself that I have got into a panic over this. I used to have as many as 65 kids in a class to teach out here.
The Bible stories would not be allowed as it is a Muslim country. They are actually allowing one Christian Church to be built. My DIL can't wait for it to be finished so that she and the children can attend the services. will let you know how it goes. Blessings
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
12 Oct 10
I am hyperventilating again. My son has just tod me that his wife said 2 storiesI do knw that it wi be okay once I start. But 2 stories? Nah! One will do.
I do knw that it wi be okay once I start. But 2 stories? Nah! One will do.1 person likes this
@buenavida (9984)
• Sweden
12 Oct 10
Yeah, one story will be enough for now..you can promise the second story another time..
I think next time you do it, you don´t feel nervous at all. We get used to things like this pretty quick..
Remember, the kids are not expecting any big performance..and you might get so inspired that you really want to tell another story..
I think next time you do it, you don´t feel nervous at all. We get used to things like this pretty quick..
Remember, the kids are not expecting any big performance..and you might get so inspired that you really want to tell another story..1 person likes this
@jillhill (37353)
• United States
12 Oct 10
That is so cool! Not to worry. They won't judge you. I spoke in front of a class of first graders once and they were absolutely charming! And they loved every minute as much as I did! I would probably go with something similar....or a Dr. Suess....I love those books and they are kinda funny so the kids would get a kick out of it!
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
12 Oct 10
I don't have any Dr. Suess in the house and he woud be ideal Ah we , I still got a few hours before showtime
Ah we , I still got a few hours before showtime1 person likes this
@skysuccess (8857)
• Singapore
12 Oct 10
cynthiann,
Another heartwarming post of your experience.
I like to advocate that you go for whatever you are familiar which I believe is the story of Goldilocks and the 3 bears, where you will be more convincing at 4 a.m.. Don't take me as being insensitive but I'd just like to remind you that it is the effort that counts rather than the story. I am sure they will enjoy a good reading than all the pauses in between.
Anyway, good luck and whatever it is I am sure you have them in your heart.
I like to advocate that you go for whatever you are familiar which I believe is the story of Goldilocks and the 3 bears, where you will be more convincing at 4 a.m.. Don't take me as being insensitive but I'd just like to remind you that it is the effort that counts rather than the story. I am sure they will enjoy a good reading than all the pauses in between.
Anyway, good luck and whatever it is I am sure you have them in your heart.1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
12 Oct 10
I'm sure you'll do find I know you are a bit out of practice in speaking to a group of youngsters. But I think you'll do fine. Got any Eric Carl books those are a hit with the preschool set that I can think of off hand.
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
12 Oct 10
I knew you could! Glad it went Great! I hope you are not too tired from getting up so early to do this.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32189)
• United States
11 Oct 10
Do not worry, you can often find stories for children online, some that are not published and some that are published and have been children's classics for years. Here is a link for books that you can look to see about, maybe reading to the kids http://www.magickeys.com/books/
You will be fine!
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
11 Oct 10
Oh Thank you sweetie. I am going to that link now. You are a blessing and thank you for your comforting words.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
13 Oct 10
My daughter used to love Dr Seuss’s Wacky Wednesday. She used to love the way everything went crazy and enjoyed spotting all the oddities in the pictures. What an honour to read to your grandchildren’s class! I didn’t know you were a teacher, I am sure you were a fine one...
1 person likes this
@cyrus123 (6363)
• United States
11 Oct 10
I tend to get panic attacks now that I've gotten older and I do a lot of singing in front of people, myself. I used to never get them but they say your body changes the older you get. All I know to do is just ride with them. Do the children like fairy tales? If they do, my favorite was Hansel And Gretel. What about Little Red Riding Hood? Sleeping Beauty? Cinderella? If you have any of these books, you might can read those. If there is a public library in your area, they might have these books if you don't. Don't worry because I'm sure you will do well
. Please let us know how it goes.
. Please let us know how it goes. 1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
11 Oct 10
I did not knows that it could be age related. I d know that I do not handle stress well now that I am older- s it does make sense. I've downloaded a fewstories on line and have yet to choose. I may just go with the Three Bears for sentimental reasons. My Dad used to tell me this story when I was young.
@bounce58 (17380)
• Canada
18 Oct 10
I know I'm a little late here, so I hope you did have a good performance for the twins.
Anyway...
I also have a 4 year old. He's in pre-school and he also loves stories. Currently he is into Chika Chika Boom Boom. I don't know if you're familiar with it, it's an alphabet story/song.
