Creative Commons photo by fdecomite

"How cool is this?", I said to my second grade group as I displayed my Readers Theater play set of the "Three Little Pigs". The package provided highlighted script booklets for each character, and more importantly, five character masks. Bright, sturdy masks!! One or two students reacted appropriately (with excitement). The rest looked at me with pity.   
                                                                       
Holding up the Yellow Pig  mask, I noted, "I can't wait to wear this!" I hooked in almost everyone. We peered out through our awkward eye holes  and exchanged delighted smiles. As I sat listening to the play, I realized that I loved my mask. I felt a lightness and a thrill that recalled long-ago Halloweens. 

Hmm, I mused, wouldn't it be fun to walk down the hallway...masked? Or, am I more like my reluctant students who are unwilling to risk appearing foolish? I consoled myself that maybe if I had on the Big Bad Wolf mask, it would be worth it.