Hold Your Hand Up High

There is something very gratifying about seeing the hands of students shooting up left and right. “Pick me! Pick me!” It’s something that only those that teach elementary and junior high (if you’re lucky) ever get to see. Because, trust me, high school students are way too cool to be raising their hands.

However, I’m beginning to think that teenagers have zero control over their bodies (I'm sure you're thinking, "Duh, Anna. Where have you been?). Clearly, their mouths are open 82% of the time. The other 18% they are texting, sleeping, or playing video games. Maybe we should be thankful for technology; it gives the world some peace and quiet.

So, if teenagers have no control over their mouths, then why should their hands be any different? The students' hands are shooting up before their minds have even processed the question. Hence, when I call on the student begging me to “pick him,” the answers often fall short. Does he even realize his arm is about to spring out of socket? 

I’m not saying that I’m teaching a bunch of nimrods. They are delightfully, smart students that need to think before they freak out and jump out of their seats. I love the enthusiasm, but I’m also a little bit frightened by it. Breathe, young children, breathe. Hold your hand up high… and breathe.