I am participating in the March Slice of Life Challenge: A slice a day for all of March. You should do it too! Check it out here. Thank you, Two Writing Teachers!
I miss my classroom couch.
It was pink and curved like a wide C
My students sank in
to read
to talk
to listen
to watch
to sew
yes we had sewing circles on that couch
If you haven’t spent your days
in a
windowless
classroom
you may not understand
I miss my arm chair.
It was old and creaky but soft
and perfect
for read aloud and mini lessons and deep conversations
If you aren’t
11 or 12
in body or mind
you may not understand
I miss my soft rug.
It was huge and it fit a large circle of 25
sixth graders
and a couple of teachers
greeting each other every morning
and learning together all day
If you haven’t tried to sit quietly and read
and work
or listen
and listen
and listen
on a hard chair or floor
you may not understand
that community can be built
with a couch, a chair and a rug
for workshops
for discussions
for relaxing
gasp!
for reading
for writing
for math
for learning
I miss my couch
They made me throw it away
I miss my arm chair
They made me throw it away
I miss my rug
It disappeared one day
On a Thought 
I could really feel the energy of your classroom through this poem. Why did you have to get rid of your couch and such?? You sound like a wonderful teacher. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks so much – It is such a long crazy story.. but last spring we had to get rid of our furniture. 😦 and I really do miss it. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting such a lovely comment.
Sorry the furniture had to go. Our fire Marshall does not allow schools to have furniture or allow a classroom to look homey in any way…shape or form…I get it but I don’t…sorry you had to lose your furniture and your rug. I can understand through your words why kids liked it so much.
Thanks for stopping by! It’s so hard when classrooms can’t be comfy. . . kids are there all day!
Ona, you are really making me miss my golden swivel armchair! I really miss my bean bags too. Awesome poem.
Thanks, Jeff! I’m glad you stopped by and left a comment.
BTW I am Ona’s next-door teacher neighbor. When she says long story that doesn’t even begin to describe it. I’d add “overreaction!”
Yup. that’s a good word!
My district (because of the fire department) has really strict policies about furniture. And like you, I want my classroom to be someplace comfortable and welcoming. It’s hard to let go…
It really is! Thanks for the comment. 🙂
I’m sorry you no longer have your cozy classroom. It looks like it was the perfect place to relax and learn. I can only imagine that a teacher that went to such effort to make such a wonderful classroom will figure out a way to make it pretty awesome again.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I’m trying to make it awesome again! 🙂