Journal May 2026 Release_Full Edition - Flipbook - Page 17
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But I discovered the student art projects were missing from the drying rack, and
no one seemed to know what had happened to them. After a search, we had to
assume they had been thrown out. The class was extremely disappointed. I was
concerned that some students might not want to start over. To my surprise,
Darnell was one of the children who, after expressing disappointment, made the
choice to start the project again. But one member of Darnell’s group was quite
upset and declared that he was not going to continue. I asked for Darnell’s help,
and he agreed to use his Strength to console the group member and ask for his
cooperation. Darnell put his arm around the boy’s shoulders, talked to him, then
came over and reported to me, “It’s taken care of.” The boys in his group all
chatted and continued to work on their art.
Widening the circle: the ripple effect
Later, I asked Darnell who would not be surprised to hear about his Strength
Against Trouble, and he quickly said, “My grandmother.” I asked if he would like
his grandmother to know about his achievements or keep them to himself. He
wanted her to know. So, I asked if he would like to share it all with her or if he’d
like me to tell her. He wanted me to let her know what had happened, but said he
would add anything I might have forgotten. At the end of the day, I noticed
Darnell’s grandmother in the hallway, coming by to walk him home, as was their
custom. I told her about Darnell’s achievements in our art class, especially the
way he had helped me by using his Strength. Darnell added a few details. His
grandmother told Darnell she was very proud of him. Darnell left school smiling.
The weeks went by, and I arranged a meeting with Darnell, his grandmother, the
principal, the social worker, and Darnell’s teacher. Darnell related the story of his
ability to keep Trouble out of the classroom. The group asked several questions,
and he responded with more details about his ability to keep Trouble away. I was
surprised at his ability to recount his accomplishments, and it appeared that he
was feeling a sense of pride in being recognized. The principal complimented him
on his achievement and thanked him.
The child teacher the teacher
Darnell agreed to be interviewed about his expertise in keeping Trouble away, not
just in art class, but in other situations, like homeroom. Once we sat down, I
“It’s Taken Care Of”: A Collaborative Effort by a Student and a Teacher to Keep Trouble out of the Classroom
Journal of Contemporary Narrative Therapy, May 2026 Release, p. 9-24.
www.journalnft.com
