At CC on Monday morning, Mr. Acevedo said we were taking a day off from the projects. He told us to get our writer’s notebooks and head out to the Amp.
“We’re kicking off the week with one of mi abuela’s sayings,” he said. “‘El medio más fácil para ser engañado es creerse más listo que los demás.’ Any of my translators want to give that one a shot?” He pointed with his elbow to Zachary.
“The easiest way to be fooled is to believe you’re smarter than the rest,” Zachary said.
“Exactly.” Mr. Acevedo hopped over the first-row bench and gave Zachary a pound. “What does that mean?” He motioned to Ana.
“You shouldn’t think you’re smarter than everyone else,” she said.
“Because?” He motioned for her to continue.
“Because you’ll be fooled if you do.”
“Exactly, Ana.” He strummed his chest. “We all bring something unique to Room 208. No one’s better, no one’s smarter, but we’re all different.” He adjusted an earring. “Today, we’re going to write about what makes us different, what makes us unique. Today is Writing Day! We’re writing like we did that first week when we stood on our tables.”
“Or ladder,” Avery said.
“Or ladder, Ms. Goodman.”
I checked Red. He sat next to Ms. Yvonne in the row behind me. Ms. Yvonne smiled when she saw me looking their way. Red waved.
“We can write about anything?” Piper asked.
“So long as it’s connected to what makes you different or unique.”
“Can we draw?” Sebi asked.
“So long as the drawing has captions or thought bubbles,” Mr. Acevedo said. “There needs to be some text.” He motioned to the playground. “Go find yourself a place to write. Let’s get poppin’.”