Last year I had 22 students in my class and this year, as of now, I have 26 kids coming my way. As the first day of school creeps closer and closer, I wonder where I am going to put these 26 six year olds. I have exactly 23 desks.
Our imaginary student, Johnny Bob (named after one of Junie B. Jones’ stuffed animals), typically sits in the unfilled desk. Each morning after taking attendance the student that sits next to Johnny Bob announces his absence and as a whole class we express our concern for his education, since he’s always absent.
Sometimes Johnny Bob’s desk gets used by students that need extra space or just need a break from their current desk. Johnny Bob is the type of student that doesnt’ mind others working in his area. He’s a model student. I’ve had kids from previous years come back and inquire about Johnny Bob’s attendance. (Has he started coming to school? Do the ‘new kids’ know about Johnny Bob? Is his desk still the same?)
Come September and the beginning of Musical Chairs, I’m going to take a moment and think about Johnny Bob and what he represented: lower class size, a whole class inside joke, extra work space, comic relief and an opportunity to help my students understand the importance of attendance.
I hope Johnny Bob can come back to Room 2 next year.
Had not heard about Johnny Bob before… what a trip… gonna think about him off and on all day…
Midge
that’s funny. what a clever idea teacher. now you’ll have to come up with something else clever 😉 good luck