Stalker

I have a student, Arden, who is an only child. Last year's teacher told me that he can't go outside on cold, rainy days, which is just about every day here in the Pacific Northwest. So the teacher said that on days he couldn't go outside he hung out in the classroom. Well, I knew this wouldn't work for me. When it is recess, it is my planning time, and no kid stays in. Unless I say so.

I think this boy is over-protected. His mom was telling me of some complications when he was first born, but even the nurse at our school said she thinks this staying in on cold days is ridiculous.

Well, this has been an unusually rainy September, and the other day it was raining when I excused the kids for their 15-minute recess break. Arden showed no signs of even moving from the class.

"Arden," I said. "You can't stay here. I have some errands to do and I can't leave you here by yourself." He begins to get his things, and follows me out of the classroom door. He continues to follow me out of the building door, and across the playground. I think maybe he's on his way to find his mom, as she works as an aide at our school.

I head towards the workroom to use the restroom. Arden followed me into the workroom. I wonder how he knows his mom is in there. She isn't. I open the door to the restroom, and when he sees where I'm going, he just sort of stands outside the door. He's stalking me, and I can't go. So I just wash my hands and come out.

I walk over to Arden and put my arm around his shoulders. "Arden," I say. "Are you following me?"

"Yes," he replies.

"Well, you can't do that," I say. "If the weather is too bad for you to be outside, you have to either go to wherever your mom will be, or take a book and sit in the office. You won't be able to hang out with me."

I really couldn't believe that he thought he could just tag after me like a little puppy. This is fifth grade, and it's time to grow up a bit. His mom probably likes me less now.