Today was a long day, only part of a long week. This time of year always causes high-strung attitudes, off handed comments, and a range of emotions. How one person operates can definitely affect a whole lexicon and create a domino ripple effect.
However, it's always darkest before the dawn. In a winning teaching moment, I think the redeeming process had begun.
My sixth grade class had finished reading Little Women over a week ago, and as a reward we watched the Winona Ryder-Christian Bale version of the movie. During this time, one of our school aides would walk in and out of our room to do her work, but would get so sucked into the movie during her time there. She said she hadn't read the book but has now showed interest.
Cut to today when she comes up to me in a marching fashion, and you know there's a statement waiting for you on the tip of her tongue. "Oscar!" she exclaimed, "I saw the whole movie last night and I'm angry." I knew it was from Amy having married Laurie and Jo marrying a random older professor. She was humorously livid, and as she shared her feelings about Amy's interference, my previous class, now seventh graders, overheard. So moved was one of my students, that she went up to the aide and hugged in sharing her sentiment on Laurie's decision. Note: This student cried when we read the Jo-Laurie break up scene in class.
That moment reminded of why I do what I do, to allow literature to affect the lives of people and create memorable experiences. Thanks Amy!
