Period one: Close eyes to meditate with a circle of eleven eighth graders, hear a giggle, slide eyes open and supervise with stern looks. Try to meditate with eyes open.
Period two: Lose track of time, get up to pick up snack; bell rings two steps away from classroom door. Rush to get snack anyway, think to self–five minutes, I’ve got five.
Period three: Seventh grade student shows bloody tooth that finally came out in palm of his hand. “Ms. C, look my tooth!” Smile, nod, redirect–back to work.
Extended homeroom: Find eighth grade student talking to Djimbe drum on bookshelf in back of room: “Your time is coming soon, my friend,” he whispers to drum. Laugh out loud.
Forth Period: Facilitate a discussion– are open-ended questions really open-ended, ever?
Fifth Period: Observe two eighth grade girls discussing their upcoming school trip to Madrid. One who is over anxious about it; one who comforts the other, reminding me of my friend who is my voice of reason.
