oh, what a beautiful morning!

Oh, what a beautiful morning!...the teacher enters the classroom. Yes...it's been cleaned nicely, she rushes to the copy machine, waits in line to run off some "funsheets." The teacher thinks of her own life: She has to call home to see if her own 8th grader is up. Did you eat? Are you still feeling sick? Did Daddy leave for work? Stay in bed. Drink water. Don't get on the phone. No television until the afternoon...I'll call you, keep the phone with you. She hangs up. The day begins.

Oh, what a beautiful morning! ...24 children stream into the classroom, about 4 of them vying to be first...The teacher is watching each one for so many indicative behaviors: can the child TRANSITION? Is he--hanging up his coat, getting stuff out of the book bag, putting homework into the homework bin, giving notes to the teacher, putting any books "funsheet," reading directions, completing it, and putting it on the pile on the teacher's desk--all before the PA comes on? Morning Announcements on the PA...The day betgins.

Oh what a beautiful morning...litany:
I threw up this morning...I still don't feel good. Can I go to the nurse?
I didn't do my homework.
We had homework?
I forgot my trumpet. Can I call my mother?
My foster mom don't want me anymore. I'll be leaving...soon.
Did I leave my glasses here last night? I can't find them.
I forgot to take home my speller.
My dog is getting put down today.
My grandfather has cancer.
My father lost his job.
I lost my lunch money. Did you see it?
I'm never going to see my father again.
This weekend is my weekend with my father. He says I can bring a friend.

It's nine o'clock....time for first period.
Oh what a beautiful morning!