A Winning Smile turns a Winning Style!

Friday, March 21st was Guo's first 4H oral presentation/demonstration. He was primed. 

The tri-fold board had his special touches. Even though he can't read yet, we'd spent a enormous amount of time with him saying: "Mama, what do these words say... I want say... next say.... we do this..." etc (you get the idea) and printing it out. They were then cut,  and pasted with his creative use of color and design.

By this age Guo is at the intermediate level of 4H which means his presentation was to last up to 15 minutes. However, I called ahead, as did our trainer and everyone was aware he is still developing his English language skills. He knew he was to do his best English with his 'medium loud' voice and demonstrate for the judge.

We arrived at the site... things were going great... we waited... and waited... pretty soon Guo says: "Mama can you come in with me?" ("I don't think so... parents aren't supposed to... we'll ask")... we waited some more... the organizer comes out & says the judge will come out to introduce herself soon... "Mama, I really want you in there with me" ("I know sweetie, but you know I'll have to just be quiet") "I know, you just sit there. OK?

The judge came up right then, sensing the nerves, began to talk to Guo about his project, his dog, and me. She almost gave the perfect segue for me to ask permission to go in with Guo. She didn't have a problem with it. As a matter of fact, she let me help get him set up before quietly sitting down. (a side note: her son was being judged at the next table over).

Back to Guo's performance... at the last possible second another man comes up and tells the judge he is supposed to be the second judge with her. Every ounce of blood drained from Guo's face. I thought he was going to throw up on the spot.. As it was, the oddest thing happened... he stood up and started reciting the text of his presentation forgetting to demonstrate. He tried to remember word for every last 'perfect' word in order, all the while getting softer and softer.

I couldn't even catch his eye to motion to him pick up his stuff to show them while talking. Finally, with only about 7 words left he scratches his head and said: "I just don't 'member the rest". Poor kid he was trying to do his English so well.

Then the judges both mercifully said: "could you show us how to make them". At which time, Guo animatedly demonstrated and spoke in phrases like he had practiced. 

Some day when he is older, I will be able to explain to him the later was the blue ribbon presentation. By then he will probably understand any way. :-)