Finding My Voice

during independent reading yesterday b's cell phone went off. she grabbed it in embarrassment and silenced it, turned it off, and then handed it to me without any push back. we then continued with our independent work- she continued to read her novel, I conferenced with students, and it was our normal routine.

as we dismissed class, i saw her gathering her belongings with silent tears streaming down her face. i went by her side and put my arms around her to check in. she hesitated at first and then expressed that she was worried about her phone being taken away.

ms. w: "b, so what are you going to do about it?"
b: "i don want to get trouble."
ms. w: "did you do anything wrong?"
b: "no, i forgot i didnt cut it off."
ms. w: "were you rude or disrespectful when i asked you to give me your phone?"
b: "no, i knew i shoulda turned it off and it an accident."
ms. w: "do accidents happen?"
b: "yes..."
ms. w: "do you have a voice in this matter?"
b: "i think i could...should?"
ms. w: "why don't you ask the person to have a conversation with them about this matter...don't you think they're reasonable?"
b (giggle): "ms. wang, can i talk to yous about my phone?"
ms. w: "absolutely, what's up?"
b: "you see...it was an accident. and i realize i shoulda cut it off before class. im not going to let that happen agin. is there a way i can get my phone back? im sorry for interrupting the class today too."
ms. w: "b, im glad you talked to me. i agree that you should have cut it off. i also understand accidents happen and we sometimes just need to have those moments happen to learn from it. right?"
b: "mmhmm..."
ms. w: "thank you for being cooperative when i asked you for your phone. see me at the end of the day. and im glad you used your voice."
b (wiping off the last tear): "me too..."

the little things.