Tell Me More

"Tell me more."

Spilling why they were upset,

with tears and 

strings of emotion laden words.  

"Tell me more."

Continuing the story, 

tears stopping 

breath slowing 

hands relaxing. 

"Tell me more."

And then, 

an additional detail.

"Tell me more." 

Pause. 

Big breath in, 

"That's all." 

"Are you ready to head back and try again?"

Nodding head. 

I am currently reading Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I Am Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan.  I had the opportunity to practice "Tell me more" with a student who was upset, and it worked.  Initially the telling involved words between tears. Each time there was a pause, I responded with "Tell me more."  The tears dried up; calmness blanketed the student, which supported his transition back into the class.