Every afternoon at a quarter to three, Miss Tunker would open her tub of Nivea and warm up her hands with the thick cream, its scent triggering us to put away our books, pencils and papers, and to sit up straight with our hands folded neatly on our desks, knowing once she “could hear a pin drop” we’d be invited to the little carpet at the back of the classroom.
Loved this read. My grandmother used to read to me before bed, when I stayed at her house; it was the main highlight of spending the night with her. I still remember our first book, The Secret of Red Gate Farm, a Nancy Drew mystery. I was around 6, 60 years later I still remember the awe, I might not have totally understood the story, but it was how she told it and waiting to find out the end.
Wonderful story! I think Anna's students are very fortunate to be taught by such an inspired teacher. Anna clearly learned young that you can sometime learn as much or more from the failings of teachers and bosses as from their strengths. I am reminded to read aloud, as much as I can, to whomever will listen!
Loved this! As an old American Lit teacher, I experienced this many times too. One of my funniest times though was when a class read the classic short story The Bet” which starts out “ The night was young & gay…” with their own modern day interpretation. Took me a couple minutes to unravel what they were talking about. 😂
This story has perfect pitch! How we can reconfigure a vivid childhood experience and its frustrations into creative learning spaces, years later. Thanks, Anna.
I should add, there is nothing like reading aloud to children, and even adults. I read to my 28 year old grandson when he comes for breakfast. I remember reading to my husband a particular book we both wanted to read, at night, before we slept. Read on everyone!
As I read this, I thought I too read to my Grade 8’s. And it too was The Outsiders. The books started to appear in my class, I think, as much to read ahead as to see what words Mrs Woeller was leaving out and blushing over!!! Thanks for the memories. I loved this one!
Great story. I find it strange that a teacher would, in effect, punish children for reading outside of class time.
Thanks.
Lovely story about stories. Thank you, Anna.
Love it!!
Loved this read. My grandmother used to read to me before bed, when I stayed at her house; it was the main highlight of spending the night with her. I still remember our first book, The Secret of Red Gate Farm, a Nancy Drew mystery. I was around 6, 60 years later I still remember the awe, I might not have totally understood the story, but it was how she told it and waiting to find out the end.
You bring us wonderfully back into the world of children, through vivid memories of smell, sight, and desire. Thank you, Anna!
Wonderful story! I think Anna's students are very fortunate to be taught by such an inspired teacher. Anna clearly learned young that you can sometime learn as much or more from the failings of teachers and bosses as from their strengths. I am reminded to read aloud, as much as I can, to whomever will listen!
Loved this! As an old American Lit teacher, I experienced this many times too. One of my funniest times though was when a class read the classic short story The Bet” which starts out “ The night was young & gay…” with their own modern day interpretation. Took me a couple minutes to unravel what they were talking about. 😂
This story has perfect pitch! How we can reconfigure a vivid childhood experience and its frustrations into creative learning spaces, years later. Thanks, Anna.
Everything you write, dear Anna!
Such a beautiful story.
Thankyou! Definitely something to think about.
I should add, there is nothing like reading aloud to children, and even adults. I read to my 28 year old grandson when he comes for breakfast. I remember reading to my husband a particular book we both wanted to read, at night, before we slept. Read on everyone!
You are so right! I read Deliverance to my husband on a road trip years ago !
Such a wonderful story! Thank you Anna.
Lovely story! Thank you.
As I read this, I thought I too read to my Grade 8’s. And it too was The Outsiders. The books started to appear in my class, I think, as much to read ahead as to see what words Mrs Woeller was leaving out and blushing over!!! Thanks for the memories. I loved this one!
Hilarious! That’s a great story!