𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐊𝐕

XII.

Chapter Twelve.

Next day.

"Okay guys, one last problem before I release y'all for lunch!" Kitana exclaimed, clapping her hands.  The fifth graders groaned, not feeling like answering anymore math questions. They were simply ready to eat.

"Now, who can tell me what 1/3 of 5 is? It can be in simplified or improper fraction form." She inquired, tapping her nail against her chin.

The children began to yell out answers all at once, causing Kitana to simply cover her ears. This was the gesture she used to let them know that she was no longer listening.

"I only listen to students who have their hands raised." She spoke calmly. Kitana was trying to teach them that shouting out wasn't ideal. She couldn't focus if they all were talking at one time.

A few raised their hands eagerly, which prompted Kitana to scan her eyes over the class. "Hmm, go ahead Mason." She pointed to a little boy with wild curly hair and glasses.

"1 and 2/3." He answered, causing her to smile.

"Good job! Go pick out a prize from the treasure chest." She urged, causing him to happily stand from his seat and go to the treasure chest that was in the corner of the room. It was full of all kinds of things. Snacks, stickers, cool pencils, mini drawing tablets, bouncy balls, fidget toys and spinners, etc.

Kitana felt like rewards were a great way to get kids involved and excited about work. As soon as you tell them they could potentially win something, it sparks interest in them. They'll go above and beyond when it comes to a prize.

Mason picked out a glow in the dark yo-yo as his prize, fascinated by the colors of it. He took it to his desk, wasting no time playing with it.

A loud bell rung, indicating it was time for lunch.

"Time to go eat, kiddos! Line up, ladies first." She announced. All of the girls in the class lined up first, then the boys followed.

Kitana then grabbed a big bottle of hand sanitizer off of her desk and went student by student, squirting some in everybody's hands.

"What time does lunch end?" Kitana inquired as she placed the bottle back on her desk, testing them.

"12:20!" Her class replied.

"Right, and what happens if you aren't back by 12:25?" There was a five minute transition period to get from the cafeteria back to the class.

"No recess."

"Yup, no recess. So, that means we're gonna be back in time, right?"

"Yes!" The children exclaimed.

"That's the spirit!" She nodded. "Just wanted to make sure we're on the same page. You guys may go. Have a good lunch." Kitana waved.

Since they'd be going to middle school next year, the school was testing out a new process for lunch. Traditionally, teachers were supposed to walk with their classes to and from lunch but Abraham wanted to see how independent and responsible the fifth graders could be since they were the oldest children in the building.

"Um, is it okay if I sit in here and eat with you?" Ilani asked as she stayed behind, allowing the rest of her class to walk ahead of her.

"Why, honey? You okay?" Kitana inquired, concern in her voice.

"Yes. I just don't wanna share my food. My daddy got me Subway and I don't play about my $5 foot long!" Lani told her, causing Kitana to crack up laughing.

"I know that's right. Sure, you can stay in here." She told her, causing Ilani's face to light up.

"Yay, thank you!"