One of the greatest (and saddest) moments in my teaching career: A newcomer to my fourth grade class from Mexico named Jose spoke not a word of English. A lovely (and I DO mean lovely) young college student served as his interpreter aide. During the third quarter of the year, I asked kids to present their book reports orally. The night before Jose was to give the report on the book hed read, a Clifford the Big Red Dog Book called Cliffords Tricks, his instructional aide hit a patch of standing water and slammed her MG into a walnut tree outside of Gridley. She died instantly. Jose knew what had happened but did not know how to express his feelings. Still, he wanted to give his oral report the next day which he and the young lady had practiced. It consisted of: My book ees Cleefords Treeks. Cleefford ees a very funny dog. (Yes, that is a word-for-word accurate quote.) Jose was asked to answer one question: Do you like Clifford? Yes. At recess time, Jose and I walked the half-mile perimeter of the turf area at Durham Elementary School. I had no command of Spanish and even less command of death. About half-way around, he took my hand. Its been thirty-eight years and that ones still crystal clear. Thanks, Norman, for being the conduit for this young man....
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 05:34:27 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015