MCMXXXIV-XXXV

... first grade - first blunder

What a joy to attend school for the first time. My elementary adventure took place in the original four-room Pierce School built circa 1888 on Mountain Avenue, Malden, MA. At home and at school, I had been told over and over again that I was smart. For me, reading was a pleasure as was spelling, writing, addition, subtraction and organized recess.

The day came in early spring when wonderful Miss Robinson told us about our next exciting enterprise. "NOW I am going to teach you ROMAN NUMERALS!" We had never heard of them, so a knowledgeable introduction to their reason for being opened her presentation, followed by instructions.

While writing it in chalk on the front blackboard, she explained that the straight line with a short line at the top (like a hat) and another short line at the bottom (like shoes) was Roman numeral ONE. Both short horizontal lines had to extend a very little way on both sides of the vertical line. She instructed us to copy hers in the upper left corner of our paper. She walked up and down the aisles, looking at each child's paper, stopping to further explain and correct anyone who hadn't absorbed her instructions.

Finally, she returned to the front of the classroom again and, while writing it on the blackboard, she instructed us, in detail, how to make Roman numeral TWO......two straight lines, side by side, with the "hat" on top connecting both lines, and, of course, the connecting line on the bottom......both of which, as before, extended a hair beyond the vertical lines. Again, she instructed us to write in a "II" beside our "I" and then she walked around the room, inspecting and correcting each paper. Of course, at my desk, I heard, "Very good!"

Roman Numeral THREE was the same, except it had three vertical lines and I earned more praise as she went by my desk. I loved Roman numerals! I understood how to make them! I decided to continue on while she wasted time with the other kids and she'd praise me even more!

I wrote FOUR vertical lines and connected them with a roof and a floor that extended slightly beyond. I did the same with FIVE vertical lines. I continued on, carefully, making sure that my vertical lines were exactly the same length, anticipating the praise I would receive when the teacher finished scouting the other aisles of my classmates.

I don't remember now if I got past TEN or not but when Miss Robinson returned to the front of the room for FOUR, she noticed my paper. (Or did I announce my accomplishment?!?) She then produced the "V" that was about to be introduced.

Her criticism of my paper was a fine teaching tool for her, but a terrible blow to my six-year-old ego. It has remained, 'til now, a sixty-six year old secret. As I write this, the thought occurs to me that more than likely, my innocent initiative act that day must have provided good-natured entertainment in the Teachers' Lounge for Miss Stevenson, Miss Lovejoy and Miss Lord. Maybe they had seen it done before. Maybe one of them had at one time committed a priceless, prizeless blunder to match it.

Originally published February 2001