Bonding in the Lunchroom

Since the beginning of the school year, I have had the pleasure of being on lunch duty from the time kindergarten settles into their seats to the time the 7th and 8th graders fold up the tables. This mainly includes weaving around to make sure there are civil conversations, everyone is eating, any craziness is subdued, and help is given for those struggling to open tricky milk cartons and packets of various treats. Of course, the occasional eavesdropping is hard to avoid, especially with the grand voices of the little ones. I hear dramatic retellings of happenings from the classroom, intense debates over both NFL and college football, discussions over the latest popular video games--Minecraft most likely, and much giggling over hilariously whispered jokes that I'm occasionally tuned in to. It is rare that I see even one student left out unless one chooses to eat individually.

This last week was especially entertaining because my time in the dunk tank at the Parish Family Festival was closely approaching. I received comments as simple as, "You're gonna be in the dunk tank!" followed by insane laughter. While some threw much more shade, "I'm gonna pay $20 just to push the button!" The glee in each response was apparent as I threw smack talk right back at them about being dry because of bad aim. I, of course, was dunked by many who promised to dunk me, and I admit that seeing their triumphant expressions was well worth falling into a tub of (gloriously warm) water.

Looking back at my lunch duty and time in the dunk tank, I have realized how much I have been blessed to have these opportunities to bond with students. Being able to have comfortable conversations or refer to some inside lunch jokes as I peruse around the blocks of tables has been a highlight of my day.