The Social Graces of Pre-teens
Two of my former students stopped by yesterday to say hello. They’re both about twelve years old, and I had to hide a laugh when they showed up. I have a special fondness for the social awkwardness of pre-teens. They both obviously went to some trouble to find out where I lived and to come over together. They wanted to see me, to talk with me, and visit. But when they arrived, they had no clue what to do. 
I gave it my best shot, asking them about their summers, trying for any conversation beyond “Yes” and “Not much.” It was as if they’d planned this visit but once they saw me, it became surreal for them. I offered them cookies and a chance to sit down and talk, but they passed.
Maybe they just wanted to see if I really did have a house and kids instead of living in a closet at school. I think kids secretly believe this. They can be chatterboxes and social butterflies at school, but if they see you in Wal-Mart, their tongues get tied into knots. I can almost hear the voices buzzing inside their heads.
Me: “Hi, there.
Them: It’s Mrs. Willingham! Oh my God! What’s she doing here? She doesn’t have a life outside of grading papers. “Uh, hi.” (Kid hides behind bangs or tries to disappear behind Mom.
Me: “Well, nice to see you!”
Them: Oh my God! She saw me. What does she think of me? She hates me. I know it. That’s why she flunked me on my last test. My life is over now. “Mmmrgrh.”
Middle-schoolers. Gotta love ‘em. 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 6:21 am | Viewed 732 times
kacey Says:
there is not enough money in the world to pay me to teach middle schoolers…
it is a squirrelly age though, isn’t it? Sometimes amusing, sometimes painful to watch…
Katie Says:
Yes, kids often really believe teachers live at school and are shocked to find out differently! Too funny.
Nice of them to come by! Can you imagine their conversation after? “you were so lame!” No, You!” “No, you!”
Peggy Says:
I have a twelve year old and this is the best year - right before they become teenagers and a pain in the butt!
Michelle, you must be an awfully wonderful teacher for them to seek you out.
Rene Says:
That is pretty amazing they made the effort to see you, you should be proud.
Poor kids, it is such an awkward age. I would never, ever, ever go back to that time.
Mary Says:
Yes, middle schoolers are different. I taught them for three years!! I couldn’t get passed the part where they hang all over you if you’re nice to them.
Oh, those were the days.
Suzanne Says:
That’s so cute, Michelle. None of the middle schoolers I taught ever came over. I’m not sure I would have liked that!
Steph T. Says:
Love middle schoolers. I don’t miss the paperwork or the politics, but I sure miss the kids.
I live in the town I taught in, so I see my students constantly. I’ll never forget the time three of them knocked over an entire huge vitamin display to get to me in CVS. Which I don’t understand since they’d just seen me in school half an hour earlier.
Jill Says:
I currently have TWO middle schoolers. Save me.
Amy K. Says:
LOL! But you must have made a really good impression on them if they went to the trouble to stop by!