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Ah, yes, the clicker.
Better than
the snapper, which was a metal thing
that made an icky sound.
The clicker was made of wood, as
was the clacker, which was largest
of all. The clacker was operated
by giving it a shake. In any case,
whether one was clicked, or snapped,
or clacked,
one obeyed.
The sisters used it as a signal for
different behaviors, depending on
the context. One click, genuflect
(the whole row had marched into church
and lined up); two clicks, get up.
One click, stand at your desk, two
clicks, start to file out. If you
were in the hallway (in line,
as
always), a click meant to bow or
curtsy, since a priest or, (even
in one school, a grown-up!) was passing.
A click to put your books away, two
clicks to start the test. We became
conditioned.
What would be really funny is if she clicked and a bunch of
planted audience members stood up.
Another click, and they sat down.
I guess it helped them keep the rule
of silence, and avoided the yelling
you hear all over schools these
days.
Mary Ann
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