I looked at the clock one more time. Yes, it was probably time to draw this assembly to a close. For the last hour, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, author of One for the Murphys and Fish in a Tree, had been speaking in our gymnasium. With mostly rapt attention, students listened as Lynda delivered a speech that included not just her own history as a writer, but powerful messages about life. Of course, she shared her writing process, highlights of her career as a writer, where her ideas originated from, etc. But she also devoted considerable air time to weaving a theme across her talk. Much like a seamstress, Lynda wove threads of power and agency through her words, telling kids to never let someone else tell them who they are, that grit matters in life, and that even though they are in middle school, it’s not too early to begin to think about who they want to be in the world. Powerful, inspiring words, illustrated with compelling personal anecdotes. Later that day, Lynda would share a story with me about a student who approached her, tearful, thanking her for the words she shared. “Thank you for letting us know no one can tell us who we are,” the student had told her.
The clock now shown 11:20 a.m. I needed to wrap the assembly up and excuse students to their next class. But with everything Lynda had said that hour, words that carried potential life-changing effects, I knew I couldn’t just say, “Time to go!” There needed to be something more, something meaningful to close. Suddenly, the idea came to me. I pressed the button on the second microphone I held, and spoke: “Would you turn to the person sitting next to you and tell them what you will take away from this talk today? What will you hang onto as you exit the gym this morning? Turn and talk.” The gym suddenly erupted with excited chatter.
In my ear, Lynda whispered, “You know, in all the talks I’ve done across the country, no one has ever done that.” I was struck by that statement- allowing students to turn and talk, just for a bit, provides an opportunity to process. I wonder why speakers and teachers don’t use that technique more often? I will admit, it was a brief moment of pride. But more importantly, I hope it was a moment that offered our kids a way to hold onto the messages of empowerment and hope delivered by one wonderful author, Lynda Mullaly Hunt.
LANNY BALL, Literacy Specialist 
“Thank you for letting us know no one can tell us who we are.”
This is so powerful, as an insight by a student and then as a comment to a speaker.
Wonderful.
Kevin
LikeLiked by 1 person
She was very moved by the comment it seemed. Thanks for stopping by Kevin 🙂
LikeLike
I’m surprised no one has used that technique before. I bet she’ll use it in a subsequent visit. We all need time and space to process, especially when we’re exposed to something that really matters to us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true! Thanks for stopping by Melanie 🙂
LikeLike
You honored your students by giving them the time to think and share. Time is always pulling at us in teaching, but these were minutes that mattered.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lynda visited our school a few years ago and she was amazing with our students as well. I love how you took the moment, seeing it was important, and gave students time. We often sacrifice the time to think, talk, and process to stick to the schedule.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the sneak peek. I’m not usually in charge of our author visits…but I know a strategy I’m going to suggest for Tuesday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In the elementary setting, I know many of our teachers process the visit with their students when they return to the classrooms; I would imagine that’s difficult in middle school, as they may be heading to a class with a teacher who didn’t attend. Brilliant way to close!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!
LikeLike
I love this! I have sat through many powerful assemblies and don’t think anyone has ever done that either. I am going to definitely suggest it now. It is a great closure. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so true that given us all a moment to reflect and their grow that thinking by talking to each other is so powerful. We saw her speak two years ago perhaps when the book came out. That book resonates with students. A great read aloud.
LikeLiked by 1 person
First, let me say that your word choice is powerful. I love the imagery here, “Much like a seamstress, Lynda wove threads of power and agency through her words.” That is a great analogy.
Secondly, I commend you for the “turn and talk.” It amazes me over and over again how, by giving a little time to process in the relative safety of a twosome, thinking can be clarified, solidified, and internalized. I love that you did this. Thanks for the slice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the words! Like you, I’m amazed at how overlooked this simple yet powerful technique is- let people talk to the person next to them and process for a little while! So easy and yet so rare. Thanks for your comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so jealous! I would love to see her speak. What a wonderful opportunity for your students. We train teachers to use turn and talks purposefully in their teaching starting in kindergarten. We all need time to proceed. Genius idea to do it in that setting!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, first I would have loved to have been there to here Hunt speak. I love her books. But more importantly, what a great way to end an assembly. I never gave it much thought, but then again I always have my writer’s notebook with me and am taking notes. Students usually don’t do that, so being given the opportunity to process at the end will really allow them to hold on to something when they leave. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person