11th grade English. 6th period. I'd been warned that they might be difficult...
(6th periods are strange classes. They're either the worst period of the day or they're odd. There's something about having been in school all day that makes them a bit punchy. And, all the athletes have their sport's class then. So, for some reason, that's when most of them let their freak flag fly.)
The assignment was to finish reading "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker. (The link goes to the actual story online. Worth a read if you haven't read it before.
Now, I say they were to finish reading it, but when I questioned them on what happened the prior day (with a different sub), no one could tell me what had happened. And since the next day they had a quiz over this story (and several others), I figured we'd better go back and understand the thing.
But, 6th period. Having them read aloud (which presumably they did do already)...
I made the executive decision to read the part of the story to them that they were supposed to have already read.
They were actually happy with this idea. And let me read without talking over me. Score!
I noticed out of the corner of my eye that one girl pulled out her knitting. As someone who knits while watching TV, I had no issue with this. I figured she could pay attention just as well.
I finished the page or so they should have read. Then we went on, and I called on readers. (I had index cards, so I could randomly select.)
A couple students heckled the girl. Knitting in class? She wasn't paying attention...
So, naturally, hers was the second card I picked. And you know what? She found her place and read better than some who were supposedly following along. (Well, there were several heads down on desks, so not really following along.)
Her turn over, she went back to her knitting. (She ended up ripping it all out. She didn't like the feel of the yarn.)
I need more knitters in class. Although, most of the time they have actual work to do, so they can't really knit...
Its neat she had a hobby that didn't involve electronics :)
ReplyDeletebetty
Knitters must be good multi-taskers.
ReplyDeleteDon't recall any of my friends knitting or any type of handi work being done.
ReplyDeleteIn home ec we did a bit of crochet, and mine was so bad it end up in the trash can. Ended up taking a zero...Coffee is on
Aww, that's too bad.
DeleteThat's great that she's a knitter. I love it. I never had any talent for it, despite my mother's efforts, but I greatly admire those who can. :)
ReplyDeleteI would much rather have someone knitting than someone with their head down on the desk (probably sleeping)!
ReplyDeleteI love to see this sort of thing. Of course, sometimes the knitter is me ;)
DeleteThis makes me so happy! I actually went to an all girls college and this was frequently a thing that would happen – girls would knit during class. I think it's fantastic! Glad she really was paying attention and was able to prove her classmates wrong.
ReplyDeleteAnd score for kids not talking while you read! YAY!
They have a knitting club on campus. I must strive to get more of them knitting at school.
DeleteGlad she was paying more attention than the ones sleeping/heads on desk!
ReplyDeleteYes, me too.
DeleteA fellow knitter :). And knitting is one of those things that's easy to do automatically so your brain can pay attention to other things. She was probably paying closer attention than most of the kids who heckled her.
ReplyDeleteThose students shouldn't heckle her. She has 2 pointy sticks!
ReplyDeleteI know, right!
DeleteKnitting should be included on the syllabus!
ReplyDeleteDoing something like that helps me focus so I can totally get her doing that and being right there. Neat to see a young person (lordy that makes me sound old! lol) doing something like knitting.
ReplyDeleteShe obviously found knitting helped her to concentrate. Personally, I would be too worried about dropping a stitch! We all have things that help us. When I'm working from home I always have the radio on in the background as I find total silence disconcerting.
ReplyDeleteThat's Purrfect
Good for her for wanting to knit. She can listen and knit and that is so much better than looking at your tablet or phone which is irritating.
ReplyDeleteThis is true.
DeleteGood for her for knitting. Some people do just fine listening to what's going on and working with their hands. It sounds like she can manage it.
ReplyDeleteHow many people doodle? Same concept. But knitters get something at the end of the day.
DeleteI'll have to check out the Walker story!
ReplyDeleteIt's of a time. I liked it.
DeleteI can relate to her. I find it so much easier to concentrate if I have something to do with my hands. A few weeks back we were scheduled for a 2 hour conference call and I asked my team leader if I could bring in my knitting or some colouring in because I knew it would be the only way I could stay focused during it.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to her, too.
DeleteMy daughter has long-standing anxiety and depression, and she finds that knitting takes her mind off circular thinking and keeps her hands busy. She was also an excellent student. I'm so glad you didn't have an issue with your student knitting in class.
ReplyDelete