A New Song: A Love Song

A young, dark haired woman appeared in classroom doorway. 

“Good morning, children! My name is Mrs. Murray. I am replacing your regular teacher,” she said as she wrote her name on the black board. “I will enjoy getting to know each of you personally over the next few months.”

The children in the class remained silent, as this change was unexpected.

“Come on, someone say something,” she thought, nervously. The children were too quiet. “This probably won’t last long,” she said to herself, smiling graciously at them. Grade three students were normally very lively and seldom, if ever silent. “If you have problems, please come to me. I will help you.”

The children gradually began to relax, but not one of them spoke.

"How can I get them to relate to me?” she wondered. Suddenly, she had an idea. Your first project will be to write a new song. To make it exciting, challenging and fun for everyone, it must be a new love song for Valentine’s Day. The winner will be announced at our class party.”

The children looked stunned, but pleased.

“You may sing your new song, or play it on your flute.”

As if the room had suddenly awakened, the silence ended abruptly.

“A love song?” a plump, blonde haired boy asked, smiling sweetly at his new teacher. “Neat!”

“We each have to write one,” said a dark haired girl, with a long ponytail. “We never had to do that before.”

“And perform it too!” a red haired boy with freckles, responded by laughing aloud. “I love it! Me, sing a love song?”        

“Want to know what the first prize will be?”

Immediately, every hand in the room went up.

Mrs. Murray reached into her handbag and pulled out a new harmonica.

“What do you think of this as the first prize?” She waited. “I am also a music teacher, so I will be able to help you write your new love songs.”

"Will you be my valentine?" Mr. Egbert, the principal sang to her, as he entered the room. "I see you have met your new students."