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Felicia’s co-worker was the first to be called to the stand. It was established that
Felicia had gone into the classroom to retrieve her coat. The co-worker was asked,
“When she came back what was different about Felicia?” The response was, “she had
cookie crumbs on her face.” “What kind of cookie crumbs?” She said, “The same as ours,
chocolate chip.” The attorney then suggested that the co-worker was, “Not a cookie
expert.” The proceedings went on with children acting as the jury. When Felicia was
questioned she adamantly claimed her innocence.
Felicia was asked, “What did you have for snack today?” She replied, “I didn’t
bring a snack today.” The lawyer then countered, “Oh, you must have been hungry?”
Then the judge said:
Based on circumstantial evidence, I have decided that in fact, Felicia is
guilty. Sometimes good people do bad things and sometimes they lie
because they are afraid of getting in trouble which I think is what Felicia
has done. So I will sentence her to bake cookies for you every Friday for
six weeks.
For Felicia, this story reflects the pivotal point in her journey where she
became convinced that curriculum that involves the support of children and
parents in a meaningful and authentic way was the direction she needed to take. It
was a transformational experience. Felicia loves to tell this story and I have heard
it many times. I am continually amused and inspired each time it is told. It was
this project that had most impact on Felicia’s decision to become an emergent
curriculum teacher. From this point forward, Felicia would never return to the use
of themes.