Twenty minutes into the fourth grade Art lesson I was subbing, I found myself almost invisible. The two groups were fully engaged in talking through and practicing their plays, trying out how to move the backdrops and little characters from the top of the decorated scene box, experimenting with lighting the scenes with flashlights and colored filters, and producing myriad of special voices to match the roles.
I looked at the Literature Circle book on the standing desk and then at the sofa next to the supply shelf. An idea sprouted in my brain. Not completely sure it was doable. The probability of this learning hum continuing without bursts of disagreement was small. Executing my plan was still worth a try.
I took the book and quietly walked to the sofa. Nobody noticed. I sat down and opened the book. Nobody noticed. I started reading. Nobody noticed. And I read. A page, two, three. A whole chapter! Only three more to go until Thursday.
I had created an island of peace and followed a boy who grew dragons.
And then as if on a cue, when the dragon sent out a puff of smoky breath, the first flame of disagreement scorched the peace.
It is great that the students were so engrossed in what they were doing that even though you were there, you weren't there. Until, that is, "the dragon sent out a puff of smoky breath".
ReplyDeleteI love the line, "I found myself invisible." It reminds me of one of my favorite Maria Montessori quotes: "The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say: The children are now working as if I did not exist." Of course teachers are often busily engaged in a small group or conferring or whatever, but I too like to take moments to just watch. I love that you were able to measure this time with a chapter of a book.
ReplyDeleteKuddos to the teacher for establishing classroom routine, discipline and engaged students...and lucky you for a great subbing job.
ReplyDeleteWay to carve out time too read...who would have thought you'd be able to do that in class? Your last line, "And then as if on a cue, when the dragon sent out a puff of smoky breath, the first flame of disagreement scorched the peace." was the perfect ending!
ReplyDelete