(This is for the Slice of Life challenge, hosted by Two Writing Teachers. We write on Tuesdays about the small moments in the larger perspective … or is that the larger perspective in the smaller moments? You write, too.)
I looked around the classroom as the bell range and realized: We’re all here.
Every single one of my students was in the building, at their seats, chatting and working as the first day of the week began. Full house. So unusual these days between Covid absences, regular sick absences and more. So much so that I completely forgot to do our online attendance, and got a call from the office, wondering if anyone was absent.
“Nobody!” I shouted into the phone with a smile. “Everyone’s here.”
It’s been weeks since we, as a class, were whole like this, and when I mentioned my observation during our Morning Meeting, they all looked around, as if noticing the room anew and seeing themselves as a complete package — 21 students, one paraprofessional, and one classroom teacher — for the first time in weeks.
It was.
Let’s hope today remains full, too.
Peace (looking about),
Kevin