This has nothing to do with classroom management. At least I think it doesn’t. You decide.
We’ve been testing all week. You know, those practice standardized tests our county uses to gauge how much the students have learned and how well the teachers have taught. It’s a long week, to say the least. Typically, we test from 8:30 in the morning and don’t get a break until around noon. Ugh! What a long time to spend cooped up quietly in the classroom.
On the first day of testing, when we finally got to go to the cafeteria and pick up our bag lunches (double Ugh!), I decided to take my students outside to get some air and enjoy our food. It was a tad chilly, being the first day of spring in the mountains of western North Carolina. Most of the outside tables were tucked neatly into the shade, making for a very chilly lunch.
I found a spot a bit away from most of my students but still close enough that I could see everyone. This sunny spot felt just about perfect as I settled into my lunch (which I’d brought from home- never eat in the cafeteria…). A couple of peaceful minutes passed and I heard a student yell, “Hey, Mr. B! Are you lonely?”
I replied jokingly, “Extremely lonely.” At which point that student and his group of about five other guys sprang up, came over to where I was sitting, and grabbed a seat around me.
Now, truth be told, these guys were probably just hoping to warm up a bit in my sunny spot, but even still. That group of guys coming over to eat their lunch with me… Let’s just say that even if it’d been a lot colder, I’m sure I wouldn’t have noticed it.
Here’s to warmer weather and appreciative students!
Darren