Slice of Life: Day 15 - When Solving One Problem Leads to Another #SOL22 #TWTBlog

I walk in and quickly find a spot on the rug, not wanting to disturb the conversation. It is clear something serious is going on.  I try to make sense of what is happening or has happened as I notice the teacher is trying to contain her laughter while maintaining a serious tone.

I understand you are trying to be helpful.

The kids interrupt her, We made signs in the hallways, the cafeteria, and on the playground.

We are supposed to make a change in the world by picking up trash that people leave.

And it is not good to have waste.

And everyone is supposed to wear masks.

We made a change, helped the earth, and kept everyone safe.

Why is it a problem?

The teacher must be able to tell that I am completely confused so she points toward the play area to send me a lifeline.  I turn to see the house area, drama area, and block area set up.  The lifting of Covid restrictions has allowed play centers to re-open. As look more closely I see the problem. 

Every stuffed animal, action figure, and puppet is currently protected with a mask.  I am now putting it together.  It is one of those moments when it is priceless to have another adult in the room – when if you don’t find the strength to laugh, you will certainly cry.  The teacher decides to volley,

Ms. Clare, what do you think?

I’m thinking this unit of study does not have a lesson that covers this, but I’m sure this group of problem solvers can work it out.  I agree that you are all doing things that make our school a better place, but we know we can’t use each other’s masks, even the ones we find. Who can think of how we can revise our signs to make sure everyone understands that if you find a mask, you can’t use it?

We should tell them if you pick a mask up to throw it in the trash you should wash your hands … someone begins.

And they shouldn’t leave their masks on the ground anyway. 

Yeah, if they threw it away this would not have happened.

Ok, I continue, what can we add to our signs?

We could make DO and DON’T illustrations.

We could add cautions.

And tips …

While it seems like we are off and running, I am already wondering how this will all change in three days when we shift to masks optional, not to mention how we will deal with the masks on the stuffies, figures, and puppets.  At least I bought us some time …

Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Deb, Kathleen, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum. Check out the writers, readers, and teachers here.