I stand at the intersection of the English hall and the main hall of our building. It's 7:45 am and the bell just rang, signaling that students can begin entering their first block classes. It's a small trickle at first. Each day the seniors seem to arrive just a little bit later, playing chicken with the tardy bell and a d-hall slip.
Across the hall from me, a teacher greets passing students with enthusiasm I cannot muster -- at least not for his subject area: math. Most students are given some variation of this greeting:
"Good Morning, Jordan! It's another good day for math."
"There's Elise. I know she's ready for math."
I wait. I am keeping an eye on the hall where most students enter. I am looking for a particular student. For over two weeks now I have watched this girl do a pirouette in the middle of the hall just before ducking into math class. About a week ago I started giving her an applause, but today I decided to take it a step further and I can't wait to see how she responds.
The clock ticks closer to the start of class and I start to wonder if I am going to see her at all. She is a senior after all and may be taking her time getting here. Just when I think I'm going to have to go to my own class, I spot her and smile behind my mask.
I quickly step forward, blocking her way to the door, "Hey! Let's both twirl!"
Even with her mask, I can see her eyes light up, "Okay!"
I have her demonstrate a twirl for me and then step away, ready to do one together: "3...2...1..."
And a teacher and student do a pirouette together just outside of math class.
I love this! I could feel the excitement as you two exchanged your dance in the hall. This are the things kids never forget.
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I love that you made this fun connection with this student.
ReplyDeleteI love this. We play music in our hallway. My co-teacher and I stand outside our classroom bopping to the music. We love it when students join us with moving to the beat. I wish someone took a video of this moment of you and a student twirling! You made me smile.
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome. They will not always admit it (it's not cool to), but students love when you interact with them especially if the interaction is based on their interests. To me, that's what great teachers do. You, Erica, are a great teacher. BTW, I love the phrase, "playing chicken with the tardy bell and a d-hall slip."
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome! What a sweet story! I bet this made her day!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet ending! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete