We have investigated the mystery of the backpack. We have pondered the psychic ability of teachers. Now let us look at the question that puzzles us all – parents and teachers alike – who is that kid?
It happens suddenly, with no warning. We send our kids off to school with pride in our eyes and a song on our lips. They come home, a bit quieter than normal. The next day when they get up, our sweet angels have morphed into someone – or something – else. Suddenly our children who once looked upon us with admiration now look at us in amazement that we have survived this long knowing absolutely nothing.
When does this transformation occur? I can tell you that in my professional experience, this seems to happen around sixth grade. When the students first begin sixth grade they are wide-eyed and easily impressed. After a couple of months, however, we notice a distinct change. Sarcasm is on the rise and eye rolling seems to become an art to be developed. Furthermore, teachers apparently know less at this point than they did at the beginning of the year!
One of my students a few years ago began the year as a normal, sweet sixth grader. Sadly, a couple of months into the year that mysterious ailment which afflicts these darlings hit him hard. (Coincidentally, I regressed to the point of knowing much less than he did.) One day I caught him passing a note in class. I collected the note from him with the assurance that we would speak about it later. Class continued – and his eye rolling did not bother me a bit. When I was able to speak with him quietly about this note passing, he informed me that he had not passed any notes. I reminded him I had evidence and had seen him. He maintained his innocence. I showed him the note. He shrugged and rolled his eyes. (Is the eye thing a physical problem?) He finally admitted to writing and passing the note – but that it was not his fault! Whose fault could it be? Who is this kid? Nobody knows.
After observing the same type of behaviors in my own children, I have surmised that these are not my children. Someone has replaced my sweet children and my wonderful students with (often) moody substitutes! Could it be aliens? Perhaps the ones who live in the backpack’s black hole? Where is a psychic when you need one?
Christine Moore currently holds a degree from Howard Payne University and is actively working toward a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Married with four children, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 14 years. Her husband, Jeremy, owns a local company that specializes in web design, custom computer builds, and on-location repair called DreamSoft Design at www.dreamsoftdesign.com. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!