Students Say the Darndest Things:
My sophomores had a performance task (or project in a simpler time) due a few weeks ago, and the following conversation with Brent occurred just outside my door before the fourth period tardy bell:
BRENT (visibly distraught): Mr. Howard, I just wanted to tell you why I don’t have my assignment.
ME: Okay.
BRENT: Well . . . my brother died.
ME (trying to show compassion): I am so sorry . . . when did this happen?
BRENT: Four months ago.
ME (stunned, but still trying to maintain a sympathetic posture): I AM sorry, but...um... how did this affect you working on your project?
BRENT: My Mom only told me about it last night.
ME: That must have been a shock. How did he die?
BRENT: She didn't say.
ME (relieved): Oh, so you and your brother were not really close?
BRENT (obviously offended): Oh no, we were VERY close!
ME: Weren't you just a little curious why his place has been empty at the dinner table? [Okay, I didn’t really say this, but life rarely supplies us with adequate punchlines. I actually said something very professional, like "O.K. you can turn it in tomorrow for a late grade." Amazingly, I still haven't seen Brent's project. I hope his other siblings are o.k.]
