Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

2 - Students

2

Students

Thursday, September 8

Kevin walked toward the parking area, then returned to his apartment. Forgot the motorcycle key. He had too many for one ring, so he kept his residence and work keys separate. Wish I never forgot anything. Oh well, absent-mindedness is a sign of genius.

His black scooter sat chained to a tall pole in a covered carport space, one of dozens in the large, anonymous lot. He unlocked and started the Honda, then rode it to work. The dawn wind in the shadows that preceded sunrise chilled him, but his shivering was temporary, and he reminded himself that a 50cc cycle was less expensive than a car.

After he arrived, Kevin took off his Bell helmet, rubbed his legs to warm himself, and headed for his room. He noted only one car in the lot, Mr. Smith's. He certainly puts in long hours. Admirable work ethic.

Kevin had much to do before the students arrived. He expected the principal to visit him on the first day. He needed to make a better impression than at the staff meeting. Since he wouldn't be spending as much time with Monica, he could put in more time on his job.

He looked at the office feedback regarding the draft of a letter he had shared with the administration. He typed his final revision, which would be sent home with the students today. He quickly made copies in the office, then returned. He stuck name tags on each student's desk, then created a seating chart so he had a class map, to help him quickly learn their names. His lesson detailed the day down to the minute. I have it together.

His door was open. Students and families began to arrive. The school was a mix of brick and concrete, sturdy enough to withstand a major earthquake, something possible in Southern California. The door was green; each class was painted one of the bands of the rainbow. Kevin couldn't do anything about the standard rectangular room shape, but he had added some color within. Still, no one would call Better Homes and Gardens for a photo shoot. It would be relationships that defined his class.

"Welcome! I'm Mr. Watson. Are you a movie star, my man? What was your last film? What's your name?" He got surprised smiles as he repeated his greeting, using 'my lady' as needed, and directed the students to their seats. A poster of the new President, Jimmy Carter, hung near the flag. Glad we got rid of Nixon!

Kevin spent the first hour getting to know the kids. He gave them a creative task to design a family shield with four quadrants that represented their favorite things: relatives, friends, animals, and hobbies. It was a way to share something of themselves and helped him get to know them a bit. As they drew, adding colors and descriptions, he told them a little about himself. Then he shared obligatory info about school regulations and classroom rules. He also assigned each student a job and explained that they would rotate duties during the year. There were chalkboard cleaners, ball monitors at recess, kids to run errands as needed, and so on. The idea was to give everyone a sense of ownership.

"Okay, guess. When I was in fifth grade like you, was my height 4'8", 5'2", 5'7", or 6'4" as I am now?" Most guessed 5'7". "The correct answer? I was 4 feet 8 inches!" Some of the kids gasped, and others laughed. Several boys and girls were taller than he had been. They couldn't believe that Kevin was now such a giant.

Mr. Smith arrived unannounced, just as Kevin had predicted, but he was ready. The principal sat down in the back without a word, took out a notepad, and began the observation.

Brendan raised his hand. "May I use the restroom?" Kevin had the pass handy, but remembered a counselor's note that Brendan needed another boy to go with him. Perhaps he has a habit of wandering off?