I was just reading an article about fifth and sixth graders, and what they have to do to be successful in school these days. It reminded me of a small, short chapter of my very own sixth grade career.
There I was... in the sixth grade. I was one of the shortest, smallest and youngest kids in the sixth grade... which of course made me feel even more inward and self-conscious.
The Sixth Grade teacher... Ms Lang (an old spinster-type, and the sister of the principal... Sister Mary Marcella)... was trying to teach division of fractions to some of the thick-headed boys in the room. She kept showing them an example of two fractions... and told them to simply "invert" the second fraction, and then multiply to two fractions to get the answer. Invert and Multiply... invert and multiply...
Well... they still didn't get it. They were hung up on the word "invert." She explained again... but to no avail.
Finally... she said she needed an example. She asked for volunteers, which, of course, produced not ONE hand being raised. So... what to do. She called on ME ! She motioned to me to come up to her desk, which I quickly did. She then called on two of the burliest, hugie-biggest boys in the classroom to also come up to her desk... which of course they did !
She then ordered them to pickl ME up, put me on top of her desk, stand me on my HEAD... and hold me up. She then told the class that this was what she meant by "invert." She then had them continue to hold me there... while she worked some more division of fraction problems.
I have been told that this may have been a "defining moment" in the formation of my psyche... and the way I would view the world from then onward.
So... if you ever read any of my blog posts... and they sound even a little bit goofier than usual... you have just been told the probable reason why.
I hope the experience didn't scar you and can see how it might have been very embarrassing for you. You'd think that the teacher could find another way to demonstrate what INVERT meant.
What a funny story! OK... how did your skirt not go over your head? Did Ms. Lang instruct the burly 6th graders to maintain little Karen's modesty? I am sure Sr. Mary Marcella had requirements.
I am sure there are members of your class who picture little Karen upside down to do fractions.
Ohmygosh, and I thought I had a bad childhood in school... this is an example of why the schools cant touch children now. Upside down on the desk? that is awful. I would have burned with humilation and embarrassment. Now after all these years Karen, you can let it go.. out into the rain to disappear like a bad dream. :) (Childhood was cruel to some of us) :)
Ah yes, Karen Ann, blame it on Ms. Lang and poor Sister Mary Marcella. Next you'll say it was that fine Catholic Education or perhaps corporal punishment is to blame...
"Catholic Education or perhaps corporal punishment is to blame..." wondering if Paul is saying this tongue in cheek... from experience... hmmm to someday share the story of Sister Magdalena's encouragement of good penmanship or not???
Karen Ann It is just fine to be an Invert! (lol) or is that introvert! As a matter of fact, my yoga teacher says that those inverted positions do much good for the body, mind and soul! So be sure and get your downward dogs in at least once a day!
That's crazy, why didn't she just say, "Invert means turn upside down?" What a jerk!
You've GOT to be kidding me! That's an awful experience for a youngster. I hope all is well and that you are feeling much better.
That may explain a lot and maybe you might be ready for a Easter Bunny Dinner.
I think I would have gotten smacked a lot in your school. LOL I know my Catholic school attendance only lasted 90 days before I was 'encouraged' to pursue my education elsewhere, and if I had had a teacher do this to me ... I'm sure it would have been a much shorter stay.
Karen - There is one thing I remember from school more than anything else. It was Mrs. Kane, the 8th grade English teacher, who demanded that we memorize the 22 verbs of being. "Is-be-am-are-was-were-been-has-have-had-do-does-did-might-could-must-shall-will-should-would."
So why is it after all these years, I can only list 20 of them?
Ahh, so that is whay you are so............awesome!
Bo
My dear, dear Karen Anne... suddenly so much about you has come into focus for me. :) Thanks for sharing such an enlightening story!
As horrifying as this probably was for you, being an invert yourself, I LOVE this style of teaching. When I teach anything (mostly music) I do my best to give visual examples, or at least a verbal visual. You remembered it, and I guarantee you were not the only one in the class who did. For goodness sake, I just did some algebra refreshers, and I had completely forgotten about inverting until last week!
I love this story. :)
Karen, I'm afraid I would have been kicking and screaming. I hated to be acknowledged that anyone even saw me in school, much less ask a question or pick on me.
Karen Anne, so are you dislexic? That would fit. My third grade teacher use to have a "for real" dunce hat. If we acted out we would have to sit on a chair in the corner wearing that aweful hat...it only took one for me ... I never acted out again!
I'll bet the boys had fun! LOL.
Holiday Hugs, Deb
OMG, it just dawned on me. At least they didn't try to MULTIPLY! *big snicker*
LOL, I have a number of teachers that stand out in my memories, but none that had anyone hold me upside down. I'm sure I would have remembered that!
Karen Anne, I hope the Nun had the presence of mind to hold your skirt together during this demo!! Did you ever tell your parents? My Dad just might have put sister nunsense on her head!
Karen, My Goodness, today that would be child abuse :)! I was the smallest in ANY class but I'm sure glad I wasn't inverted! Merry Christmas to you and a very Happy New Year.
Karen Anne, that teacher would be hung and made an example of if she did that today. But what a funny story!
I think that I was born inverted. I do everything differntly!