Ms. J. is kind of energetic?

Today, I took a few minutes to work on two of our Christmas songs for the Christmas program at the end of the month. The children will also be recorded for one of the songs to be put on the radio, which I believe that date is coming soon. I definitely want the children to do well. I have a class of beautiful singers, but recently some of the boys do not want to sing because they can't hit high notes like the girls. I also have the very talented Agnes who is trying to shine by singing louder than every other child in the class.

I begin by having every child sing the first line of Joy to the World and separate them into three groups. I had a group of three girls and one boy who could really hit the high notes, another group of three girls and one boy, and then finally a group of all boys. Aidan sees the groups and while everyone else is changing seats to sit in the same group, Aidan says, "Ms. J. isn't it funny how all the kids that can hit the high notes are all the energetic kids."

"Hmm, I didn't notice that."

Aidan had a point though, it did seem like some of the active children in the class were in that group. I also couldn't help, but to think that Aidan had phrased his comment in such a nice way.

We begin with everyone singing. "Okay, in my group 1, I want you to remember that the goal is to sing beautifully as a class. There are many beautiful voices in the classroom individually, but the goal is to sound beautiful together." I didn't want Agnes to be singled out, so I phrase this for the entire group. "Now group 3, you are twice the size of both groups, so I do not need you to sing loudly, because you are the largest of groups, we will not have any problems hearing you."

"Now, I will sing the first couple of lines for you to listen to and then we will sing again."

This is a very awkward time for me, as I do not believe I'm a good singer, even the thought of singing in front of children by myself makes me nervous.

"Ms. J. you should be in group 1," Aidan says.

"Thank you for letting me know."

"That kind of makes since, you are kind of energetic, too."

I do not know whether to take this as a compliment or insult.