Crosstalk: With Vicky Leighton

Before I retired I was a primary school teacher, a job I loved. I remember one day setting up a writing task for the children, making sure they all understood what was required, before leaving them to write their responses.

Sam was a real rascal of a child - a loveable rogue who often drove me to distraction with his disruptive, silly behaviour which not only stopped him producing work of any substance, but disturbed the children around him too. I looked across at his table and found him sitting and staring at the case on my desk. "Come on, Sam" I said. "Start writing. Do you have some ideas? Do you understand what to do? Do you need any help?" He assured me that he had so I moved off and let him carry on. This happened three times.

The third time, with playtime fast approaching, I encouraged him again before he ran out of time. "Miss," he said, "I can see the face of God in that flower." He never did produce any work that session. I forgave him.