I have another second-grade boy, Mr. Speedbump (so named because in kindergarten he already had mastered the go-limp strategy of all passive resisters). He has a family life no one should have, but hey, school is a safe place and we're trying to find anything that might be a motivation for school work.

My newest strategy is to engage him with humor, have him do a small amount of work, then have a bit of free time. At least now he wants to come here. He just wants to be heard.

Today, after his work was done, he decided to do playdough for his free time. We sat in my office, me doing work-related email, listening to iTunes. I thought he might respond well to "Particle Man" by They Might Be Giants, because it's a silly song with a funny rhythm.

Danged if that little guy didn't start singing it, word for word! His brother has the album! It was too cute. This kid who is perennially pissed off was sitting across from me, singing in his lovely little, off-key, earnest voice, "doin' the things a particle can . . . "

If I had had any less sleep, I'd have wept. And this after yesterday he asked if I'd bring him back some mountain blueberries if I were to go picking this summer.

My vice principal said I could take my LRC kids hiking on a field trip. I'm working on it!

I like that I'm focusing on the relationship first, the work second. Some kids need it. I need it.

Sigh of relief.