Teachable Moments

One of my favorite times to teach is when something important to the kids comes along. It has been my understanding since school began that there was a ‘no gum’ policy. Because I always follow the rules, each day I would ask several students spit their gum in the trash. (Personally, I could care less if they are chewing gum.) This morning it was announced that each teacher would set their own policy when it came to gum chewing.

“Mrs. Victor, can we chew gum in your class?” was asked in every one of my classes today. By the time the 8^th graders came along, I was ready. I had them turn over their chairs and look at all the gum underneath. I told them I wasn’t cool with more gum being chewed in my class as I already had enough bubblegum sculptures on the bottom of the chairs and tables. They came up with the idea to clean it off. For the next ten minutes, those who chose, scraped gum off the bottom of chairs and tables. (I am willing to bet, some of these same students were also responsible for the need for the clean-up.) Cleaning done and chewing on a piece of gum, a question was brought up. Should the students who had not helped clean be able to chew gum? The perfect time to teach how to write a persuasive essay. Of course, I did not use the E-word until it was all written.

Throughout the whole lesson, they were attentive and involved in writing. All but one boy, who for some reason, was getting frustrated and shutting down. He transferred into my class the end of last week. Students transferring in really have no idea what to expect and are often surprised by what happens in my class. I do not know if it because he is new to class or because of the way I teach that causes his good behavior. The EC teacher who team teaches with me states she can’t believe how well-behaved he is. Apparently, he has something of a reputation of a non-stop talking whiner in his other classes. I have seen the whiner come out on occasion, but he has been a great student overall. I knew he would be okay in my class when he wanted me to meet his mother after football practice. She smiled when I confirmed that I was his new Language Arts teacher.

Lessons don’t just happen in the classroom, they also happen in the soccer field. We lost our game yesterday 11-0. One of the biggest reasons for that loss was boys who did not work together as a team. Many of them did not know each other’s names. Several were lazy and just wanted to sit on the bench. I did not have time to change up for practice today. However, I worked them harder and in a much more elementary fashion than I had all season. The goal of the day was for them to know each other’s names, communicate on the field, and learn how to play defense. They showed respect, heart, and determination. We shall see how well they picked up the concept of defense at tomorrow’s game.

I am happy to note that I received my last paycheck on Friday. However, since it was written on an out-of-state bank, the money is being held until the 20^th. Three weeks after payday I will finally be able to spend the money I earned last school year. It’s all good. I get my first paycheck from Benson tomorrow.

While my need to be an extraordinary teacher overwhelms me at times, I have begun to look at the year as a ‘teachable moment’ where I am the student and Benson Middle School is my teacher.