Friday, December 07, 2007

ONE YEAR WITH AN ENGLISH TEACHER

Day 63, Friday, December 7, 2007

This morning, at the beginning of one of the 8th grade sections, there were a few moments that were especially serene. As usual, we started with silent reading and refreshments, and as I was reading my book, I couldn't help but hear and feel the peacefulness of the scene. Aside from a Mozart sonata playing quietly, the only sound was the occasional tinkle of a spoon in a cup as the server was preparing hot chocolate, and perhaps, if I listened carefully, the breathing of the students and the intermittent turning of pages. I actually forgot my reading for a time and just took in the stillness. I realized that it was probably a precious time for most of the students as well -- a rare few moments when their lives were unruffled and trouble-free. It was so special that I extended the reading time to about 10 minutes -- a richly deserved indulgence for all of us.

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