Becoming American

Sixth grade, our Americanization was through the Standard School Broadcast sent to each classroom via a wired speaker. Listening to the speaker on the wall meant we didn’t have to do any work for half an hour. Most times Alfred fell asleep and snored quietly. Mrs. Chong took the broadcast as an opportunity to rest her eyes, pitched back in her swivel chair. Occasionally she jerked upright and scanned the room, then eased back again.