Alfred Sisley, "Autumn: Banks of the Seine near Bougival", 1873

ONE YEAR WITH AN ENGLISH TEACHER

Day 11, September 18, 2007

Today was one of the best days of teaching I can recall. Everything went the way I always dream it will happen: students happy and attentive, the lesson a clear and reasonable one, and everything moving along like the parts of an oiled machine. As the classes came and went, I couldn't believe it was happening so well. (It rarely does.) It was like I was a passenger on a ship -- I often think of this analogy -- manned by a wise and able captain. I was just along for the ride. (Actually, I think part of the success of the day was due to sensible lesson plans -- ones that set goals that could actually be reached in 45 minutes. This is something I'm getting better at.)

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I've been impressed with the work of the 9th grade boys. Today, one boy, especially, was attentive and mature in his approach to class. After going over an assignment, I asked if there were any questions, and he immediately raised his hand. After pausing for a moment and furrowing his brow in reflection, he asked a very cogent question of clarification. Last year he wouldn't have done anything like this.

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