By Simon Hole
The classroom had been abuzz with anticipation all morning. The fourth grade students knew the forecast. They knew that the first snowfall of the year was coming. Finally, just after lunch, Ellen stood up and started walking toward the windows. “It’s snowing.”
Soon the entire class milled around at the windows, pointing and laughing out loud.
Miss James suppressed a sigh as she lowered the classroom blinds. Ushering her students back to their seats, she could see the disappointment etched in their faces. Forcing a smile, she said, “Now then, boys and girls, who can tell me what a verb is?”
Don’t, Miss James, lower the blinds with a sigh. Do it with vigour and purpose and good humour. Without your verbal strictures, these little ones will never be able to turn un-processed sentiment into something worthwhile, like this story.
Thanks, Jack. Miss James knew that snowfall could have been a teachable moment. Science! Art! Dance! But you know, the pressure to score well on those high pressure tests…