The poet Charles Coe graced us with his company yesterday and joined students in celebration and study of poetry.
I had the pleasure of joining the 6th graders as he led them through two of his pieces, including one about a bounding dog in springtime exploration. He was asking students for "feeling words" that came up for them with the introduction of spring in the poem. One boy on the far side of the room from me ventured a response, "invigorating?" Mr. Coe responded, "what a great word, yes!" I saw the boy's face light up, and he turned to his friend who grinned back and offered his fist - they fist bumped with excitement.
When you see a master teaching moment in action, it's a powerful thing. It's a reminder to me that is is not about the teacher, but it is about the learner. Seeing budding teenagers fist bump over poetry, well, that will never get old to me!
- English
- Middle School