Timing is Everything

The class was perfectly silent. Everybody was doing what they were supposed to be doing which was independent reading. I rejoiced in the fact that I was in complete control and everything was just as I wanted it to be. When the environment is like this, I can actually get stuff done, especially stuff that involves turning my back for more than 10 seconds at a time.

Then, from out of nowhere, or I guess from down the street, came the ice cream truck, blaring its annoying song that ends with a creepy "Helllllllo." I completely ignored it. I just kept doing what I was doing. My hope was that if I ignored it, my students would ignore it. And guess what? They did! I mean, I heard some quiet snickers, but overall, they just let it go. After a couple of minutes, the truck went away and all was silence was restored. I was so proud of the order I had maintained...until the truck CAME BACK. This time, my kids couldn't hold in their laughter. I have to admit, it WAS kinda funny because the song it plays is ridiculous (especially with the "Helllllllo" at the end) compounded with the fact that we heard it about 27 times. I was determined, however, NOT to laugh along as to uphold the belief that we need to ignore outside distractions while we're working. You have no idea the crap we hear from outside. If they don't learn to ignore the ice cream truck during silent reading, then how will they ignore the jackhammer during ISAT testing? (which actually happened last year).