It’s been the trimester of the biography. The 4th graders have read them and written them. Now they are preparing their presentations. Only one of the 3 classes I work with has actually started their presentations. I rather enjoy watching speeches. First, I get to sit at the back of the room. It’s like a little vacation. Second, I get to listen and make notes, along with the regular classroom teacher, so we can assign a grade. It’s relaxing!
Yesterday, Devin presented his timeline about Neils Bohr and told about Bohr’s life and work. It was a pretty typical 4th grade presentation, complete with my written comment about eye contact. At the end, we always ask for questions or comments. Solomon put up his and, when called on asked “If Neils Bohr was alive today, what do you think he’d invent?” Fantastic question. Solomon has some anger issues, but he is generally kind to others, loves to ask questions and gives very nice compliments to others.
Devin looked stymied and simply said, “I don’t know.”
Solomon replied confidently, “I think he’d make something that would be good for something.” The three adults in the room had to look away from each other for fear of laughing out loud. And that’s the third reason I love watching speeches.
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