Back to the building, Teacher Town Middle School is nowhere near back to normal. Typical sounds expected in most schools include the sliding of chairs, opening of doors, and footsteps down the hall. Side conversations provide distractions, both on topic and off. The crunch of a stapler and squeak of a dry erase marker are the natural soundtrack to productivity. One year ago, staff and students found these sounds to be quite unremarkable. This week, these sounds are a figment of their imagination.
"Well, I did hear a deafening screech when my co-teacher entered the call," reports one teacher when asked about what has changed. Observers noted that the few students on camera winced in pain until she remembered to mute her mic.
In a classic question and answer activity on Teams today, the same teacher paused between questions to allow students generous wait-time to answer; punctuating the silence was the deafening hum of the A/C system. "Speaking one at a time just doesn't feel natural," she said. "I miss casual conversations."
Staff will welcome students into the building next week. "I can't wait for kids to talk over me," the teacher explained. "Binder snaps. Also, the pencil sharpener."
Administration announced that the bell has been dismantled for the transition. Some suspect the decision will assuage sensory overload. One step at a time is the maxim all are following in Teacher Town for now.
I really enjoyed your slice! I've been teaching in person this year, but we've also had some periods where we were remote for a few weeks at a time and you're so right that it is the strangest feeling to have kids talking one at a time without the usual hum of a typical classroom. I hope the transition goes smoothly for you!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize how much I missed the squeak of a dry erase marker until I read this. You have expressed so well how the once-mundane is something worth longing for.
ReplyDeleteI love the squeak of the dry erase marker - and have been thrilled to hear the sound of teachers dragging furniture around in their classrooms on my hall. Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteThe sounds you described are so specific and true to life. I miss them, too.
ReplyDeleteAgain, you capture the details so well in your piece. In addition to tired eyes, tired ears made the Top Ten for ailments experienced during pandemic teaching.
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