… It’s school visit season.
I’m serious.
You should see my calendar, and it’s not even complete yet.
It’s like a game of Jenga. I’m never very good at assessing when I’ve piled on one block too many.
The upside is that if I hit the deck, it’ll be in a school library — surrounded by books and kindly book lovers.
Until then, I’ll carry on and fulfill my obligations.
(BTW, how DO teachers do it? Y’know, the all-day everyday thing? And why aren’t they richer than Midas for their efforts???)
Really, though, there were a lot of great moments today:
At one point, when I’m plowing through the pockets in my writer’s vest, I take out a pair of wooden castinets. I ask the kids if anyone knows what they are. “They look like they’re made in China,” says a wry little voice from the back of the room.
When I ask if anyone knows the difference between an author and illustrator, a little girl says, “The illustrator does the middle of the book. The author does both ends.”
About half-way through a session, a particularly chatty little friend near the front stops me and says, “See, this is the part I don’t get. Why did you write this page this way? It’s like you repeat the same line twice.” I went on a little spin about how it’s sort of like a refrain in a song, but really? I thought he was brilliant. A totally engaged reader, looking critically at what he’s being asked to absorb. I’ve had students about 20 years his senior who’ve not shared that sort of insight…
Another little guy asked me to sign his book “to the greatest football player ever.” I don’t feel necessarily qualified to judge, but what the hey. Dream a little.
Speaking of which, two first graders told me today that they were going to be writers when they grew up.
Because they love books.
And that’s a wrap…
What’s that weird gel you eat during marathons? Sounds like you need that!
I love these glimpses into the hearts and minds of your young audiences. Especially that astute critic—don’t you just want to sit down with him in a cafe somewhere?
What about a book (or article?) about school visits? You have SO much good material…
Yes, goo. That just might do the trick.
I really should go back and compile all the funny little quotes and queries, shouldn’t I? It is remarkable, the stuff that just bubbles out of them. I mean, I guess THAT’S how teachers do it, how they survive. (Still they should be richer than Midas…)
Very cool. I bet your school visits are just a blast! Rest up.
Meanwhile, I’m thinking of how I’m going to have books autographed to *me* in the future. If he can be the greatest football player ever, why not? :>)
I know, right? Who knew there were so many ways to invent ourselves?
How Do Teachers Do It?
How do we manage the all-day every-day thing? Well, my question to everyone else in the world is how do they manage without the wisdom and wry wit of children all day every day? (moment of silence while you try to read the deadpan expression on my face…)
…BWWWAAA HA HA!!!!! It’s the middle of spring break — an easy place from which to love my students past, present, and future!!!
Re: How Do Teachers Do It?
That laugh is killing me, Mary Lee. (Yeah, how’d I know it was you, even without you signing in??? Hmmm…)
oops
(the crazy teacher with the maniac laugh was Mary Lee, A Year of Reading)
Re: oops
Yes!
Confirmed 🙂
Oh, I am giggling at these comments from these children. How do you keep a straight face?
Sounds like you’re having a blast with these visits.
Sometimes I really have to chuckle. They don’t seem to mind…
As a mother of a daughter who recently had Liz visit her school, I can attest to just how much the kids love her. E is still talking about the day of the visit, and she dug her copy of “A sock is a pocket” out of the bookshelf to read it to her little sister.
hokgardner