During my first year of teaching I had a lively group of students. I was in the middle of what I'm sure was a brilliantly delivered math lesson when I realized one of my students was not in their seat like they were five seconds before. A quick search found the student lying on the floor next to their desk, cheek pressed to the tile floor.
Me: Is there a reason you are on the floor and not in your desk?
Student: I'm hot.
Me: That didn't answer the question.
Student: It's REALLY hot in here, and the floor is cold on my face. I think I'll stay on the floor.
I wasn't jiving with the student's story. School floors are nasty. Dirty shoes, cockroaches, and who knows what have been all over it. As a general rule, I don't go barefoot and I avoid sitting on the floor here.
Well.
It's good and hot here right now. The heat index has reached the 100's, and I've officially changed my mind about the tile floors. Turns out they are nice and cool, just like my student said. I find my self choosing the floor over our comfy couches, which are actually ovens in disguise. This past week I caught myself watching figure skating on the floor, doing homework on the floor, and lying on the floor post-workout.
This happened after school yesterday.
After school I had a great plan to take a nap followed immediately by a freezing cold shower. As soon as I got home we realized there was no running water, so I cancelled my glorious plans. My floor isn't big enough to spread out on, so I booked it over to Emily's room. Sara came over soon after and joined us. When Amy came over a half hour later, she immediately plopped down and borrowed one of the coveted ice packs. I admit that we were still hot and sweaty and uncomfortable, but it was an improvement.
I have a new appreciation for these floors.
I should have gotten the hint two weeks ago. There is a rug in the library that the students always sit on during library time. It is big enough for a whole class of preschoolers or kindergartners to sit on. After they hit first grade some have to sit on the floor next to the rug because they don't all fit anymore. Usually the students rush to sit on the rug because it is way more comfortable than the floor.
So two weeks ago a class came in after recess (where they had been running around and playing in the sun) and sat down on the rug in the library (which is without open windows, AC, and fans). Almost immediately after sitting down, students left their prized spots on the rug and went to sit on the hard tile. Soon the rug was empty and all the students were seated around the perimeter. I asked, they told me it was too hot for the rug, I didn't understand. Now I get it. I'd choose the floor too.
The good news is that we should have AC in the library in the next couple of weeks!
And all this heat isn't ruining the beautiful new library. This upcoming week we will celebrate World Book Day with activities and books, books, books. Update to follow soon!
