No Talking

At an afternoon conference, some of the teachers argue that the students’ contest is a distraction and should be stopped. Mr. Burton thinks it’s creative and should be allowed to continue, saying that the sudden silence of the Unshushables is a gift. Mrs. Henley says that it’s easier on her when kids at PE are silent, while Mrs. Akers says one period of silent music was enough. Mrs. Overby realizes that Dave’s coughing was a tactic to avoid his oral report on India.

Mrs. Hiatt wants to call an assembly to correct the situation, so Mrs. Morley tells them about the note that explains that the silence is a game between the fifth-grade boys and girls. Mrs. Hiatt is irritated that Mrs. Morley didn’t tell her sooner. Mr. Burton thinks that it’s typical of women to keep secrets, then corrects himself for thinking this unkind thought. He asks Mrs. Hiatt how she expects the fifth graders, known for being hard to tame, will obey when confronted. Mrs. Hiatt thinks that it’s typical of men to be negative, then corrects herself, because that kind of thought leads to discrimination. Mrs. Hiatt promises that she’ll do her best at the assembly, and she expects the same from them.