TEACHABLE MOMENTS

I am including (VERBATIM) the text of a letter I received today from one of the grade 5 students.  I received permission from the student to reproduce the letter on the blog.

Dear Mr. V. Francia,

    I have recently heard that we are having a Math Unit Test on Friday in the unit Patterning.  When I came home from school I told my parents that I have an upcoming Test. I also told them that I was disappointed and bummed out. I thought this because in case you forgot Halloween is on Thursday the day before. Just think about you as a 10 year old kid having to rush home from Trick or treating early to have to study for your Math Unit Test the day after. Not a very good feeling. Right? My mom and dad thought I should talk to you orally about this dilemma, but I thought it would be more responsible and mature to write this letter.  Please consider moving the Test to next Monday. I would also like to tell you that I am not making this up because I am not prepared or am confused, I actually have just finished studying. This is all very true and straight from the heart. Please consider this and talk to me shortly.

Sincerely,
(I am leaving off the name for privacy issues)

P.S. Happy Halloween! 
(this is my favourite part,not sure if the student is being polite or sarcastic) 


I agreed to move the test--but not before messing with them a bit and telling the class we would have the test on Thursday instead (couldn't keep a straight face though). My point for reproducing the letter was just to talk a bit about teachable moments during the year. The letter was a nice entry point to discuss Persuasive Writing. Later on in the term we will be learning how to construct a persuasive argument.  The letter did quite a good job of using emotions to try and make a point-" Just think about you as a 10 year old kid having to rush....", "straight from the heart..".  The writer also used some facts, stating that the reason is legitimate and not because they are "not prepared" or "confused".  
We need to be open to what the students bring us. The curriculum documents, text books and technology are all wonderful resources, but in the end, we are trying to reach people. So, I hope you enjoy the letter and the math test will be Monday