I looked
down at Javier’s pink Addidas socks and black shoes. His legs were crossed, his head was resting
on folded arms, and his eyes were closed.
“How’d your
first day of school go guys?” Three boys waited for the final bell in the
eighth grade Learning Center.
“All anyone
talked about was rules and rules and rules,” David crecendoed.
I smiled
sympathetically, but kept my eye on Javier wondering what it would take to get
his head up.
Did his ADHD meds ever kick in? He’s a lot bigger this year. Is this a crash? Is he taking anything this
year?
“Guys, I
told you first hour that today is all about classroom procedures and making
sure you have your supplies. The hard
stuff starts soon enough and you’ll wish for a day like today.”
David
unzipped his large three-ring binder and put his pencil into the small zippered
pouch inside. The pouch already bulged
with a dozen pencils.
They’ll be gone by Labor Day. Where do they
all go?
“Kevin,” I turned to the third
boy, “You haven’t said anything. How’d
your day go?”
Kevin’s
eyes widened and a flush began creeping up his neck. David twisted around in his seat to stare at
Kevin. Javier continued to sleep.
“Uhhhhh,” Kevin’s eyes darted. “Fine.”
“Any
problems or questions?”
The blush
continued creeping up and darkened.
Kevin’s eyes flicked from me to David and back to me. His mouth pulled into a tiny, timid grin.
“No,” he
whispered breathlessly.
I studied
Kevin wondering how long it would take to peel back some of his shyness.
“OK.” Pause.
“Good.”
I waited a
minute then turned back to sleeping pink socks.
“Javier. Tell me about your day.”
I watched
his back and shoulders slowly rise as he pulled in a deep breath then heaved it
out in a laborious sigh. He raised his
head and stared at me languidly through hooded eyes. He finished a second grand sigh, then tilted
his head and studied me.
“Mrs.
Jones. You know how in this school there
are some really boring teachers?”
“Yeeeaaah,” I said. “I know.”
A grin
tugged on the corners of his mouth. He
raised his eyebrows and tilted his head toward me.
I dropped
my mouth open and sputtered, “Are you saying I’m boring?”
Javier’s
eyes sparkled as he raised his eyebrows higher and tilted his head a second
time towards me.
Welcome
back!
Well, your posts sure aren't boring, so I don't think your lessons are either. Eventually your three boys will realize that.
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