The High Five

Every day as my students are departing for home, I receive a high five from each of them. This could be considered the highlight of my day, as I get to have a one-on-one personal connection with each of them. Say their name, tell them to have a good day, smile magnificently, compliment their excellent high five technique, etc. I love it.

Last Friday one of my students decided that he no longer wants to give me a high five. I was devastated. I followed him and tried to talk to him and he simply shut down. He has a habit of doing that. Not my fault necessarily.

And then on Monday one of my students used the following sentence as an example of a vocabulary word we were learning:
Student 1: Mrs. Moffatt is a grand teacher.
Mrs. Moffatt: Thank you. And that was a wonderful way to use the word grand.
High Five Hater: [under his breath] No she's not.
Sudden and intense look directed at High Five Hater. Amongst the din of children talking, a quiet cracking sound can be heard. The origin, Mrs. Moffatt's heart breaking.


The reason I no longer get a high five? The kid hates me.

This has never happened before. Children love me. I'm goofy and relatable. And then High Five Hater enters my life.

I tried everything. Talking to him. Reasoning. Trying to be extra super awesome to him. Bargaining. Asking him to go to the back of the line so that no one else has to see him not high five me (This was for my sake, as I didn't want any other students to get the impression that they could opt out of this ritual). Crying (not).

And then today, as we're lining up, I allow High Five Hater to stand in the middle of the line, knowing full well that he won't high five me and that everyone will see it. I sigh and follow my class out the door and down the stairs, where I plant myself to administer high-quality high fives.

He approaches, growing ever closer, care-free, unaware that his approach causes me severe disappointment. As he passes, I raise my hand half-heartedly, telling him good-bye and have a good day. And he high fives me.

Joy! 100% participation once again. Let's hope it lasts.