It was pajama day at Success Academy in Harlem today and no one told me. But I had stickers and an agenda and today felt better. I'm increasing my batting average at having good teaching days. In fact the last three times visitors have come into my class, it has been at dream teaching moments, everyone engaged, everyone getting it. Thanks guys. Captain America and Pink Sparkle Stars.
There is such a game of power between teachers and students and I enjoy the humor of it, unless I'm losing terribly. (I know they still have that power over me. I'm not yet invincible.) As per their request and good educational practice, everyone in the room has responsibilities, which they more or less maintain. My time keeper enjoys usurping the class focus by frequently announcing how much time we have left ("Five minutes twenty seconds!" "Four minutes fifty seconds!"), but then that is also a barometer for me because she is perhaps the most easily distracted. Maybe time to move on. And I'm not sure my point keeper was completely diligent and honest in her point logging when I saw the tally at the end of the day. But I'm not really worried about that (what's an extra temporary tattoo for their focus) and no one seemed to have any problem with what she announced. But I should be careful, because there are some in the class that I believe care very deeply in their points. Or do they? What a farce this seems to be.
And with my increasing batting average comes increasing enjoyment. One of my beginning students has sung both the blues and Michael Jackson's "Thriller" plucking only open strings for his daily performances. And pajama day, I hope I get another chance.
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