We start our day with a question. The responses, like the questions range from silly to serious.
I start the process by calling on one student. They answer and then pass it on.
This week’s line up included:
Monday: How’s it going?
Tuesday: Would you rather be a fly on the wall or be able to see through walls?
Wednesday: What did you like in kindergarten that you don’t like now?
Today: What do you like now that you don’t think you will like in high school?
I was surprised to see H’s hand up. Usually he goes last.
“H would you start us off?” I say.
Pause.
This is when I say a silent prayer
that his internet connection is strong enough,
that the audio settings on his computer are set correctly,
that his mic is working,
that there aren’t weeds being whacked in the garden,
that there aren’t dishes being put away in the kitchen,
that he remembers to unmute himself,
that he remembers what he wanted to say.
And then we hear it him.
“I think I won’t like hugs.”
Pause.
“I see that all the time. Older kids stop wanting hugs.”
Pause.
“My sister is only in middle school and she doesn’t want to hug any more. It makes me sad. Even though I probably won’t like them, I”m going to try really hard to keep liking them. Because, they are the best.”
H passes it on.
D: “Sponge Bob.”
E: “How can you not like Sponge Bob! He’s so adorable.”
A: “Sonic, even thought I love Sonic.”
E: “Harry Potter.”
G: “Play. My sister never plays with me any more. So yeah. Play.”
B: “Disney movies.”
F: “Minecraft.”
N: “Pokemon.”
G: “The outside. My sisters have so much to do. They don’t go outside.”
and then
V: “My former self. High schoolers look back on who they were when they were younger and think, ugh cringy. But I like myself.”
These kiddos are in a sweet spot. Particularly the ones with older siblings.
They see themselves and their future selves.
No hugs.
No outside.
No Sponge Bob.
No play.
No liking ourselves.
H has the right idea. Hold on to your fourth grade self.
Read more slices here.
To Read To Write To Be 