More Tales from the Schoolroom

I am enrolled in a professional development course that will take me out of my classroom one Friday a month throughout this school year. So, once a month, my students will be in the hands of a substitute. I have enough control issues, that the prospect of leaving my children in the hands of a stranger is very unsettling. However, I have the good luck to have access to a very good substitute -- an older man with a very imposing presence and a sincere love for the work of teaching. His name is Tony, and he is reliable and not one to take any nonsense from students who might decide that the presence of a substitute presents them with an "opportunity." I always leave plenty of work, and I do my best to make sure that Tony has an easy time of it. I also always give my kids notice when the day is approaching and I assure them that I know they will do everything they can to make the day go well.

Friday was the first of these days. My class ran from 8:30-2:40. Generally, when these classes are finished, I stop by school on my way home to pick up any last minute paperwork, and make sure that my room is properly closed down for the weekend. I arrived at school just a few minutes before dismissal. When I went upstairs to my classroom, they were lined up in the hallway, waiting for the word to leave. When they saw me coming, the whole group cheered and broke into applause amid shouts of "Ms. D is here!" I smiled and waved and began to wend my way through the group, chatting and hearing their stories about the day as I went. Then, from near the back, 3 of my more cynical and potentially difficult boys broke from the line and headed toward me with the most amazing, big, beaming smiles. When they reached me, they grabbed me and hugged me! I was a little stunned -- 6th grade boys do not generally hug their teachers. Soon, with the example of the "too cool for school guys," the whole gang was crowded aroung me in a giant group hug. It was quite the event.

I think they are all just adorable. To make things even better, when I did finally get lose and get to my classroom, Tony was there; all smiles. He had a wonderful day. They were polite and helpful. He was able to help them with their math work, and he had the opportunity to teach them about the dichotomous key lesson that I left. Seems that it was a good time for everyone. I am so glad.

swan