Who is Invisible?

A couple of weeks ago, I took a long road trip with family for a memorial in another state.  On my way I tried to picture each of my students.  I went around the seating chart until I could picture and name each one.  After three weeks with them, no one was invisible.

It helps that I only have 23 this year and I haven't had a furniture thrower in awhile.  I want to make sure that each person is noticed and called on and helped.  It is usually the quiet girls I have the most difficulty picturing. 

I know there are children who prefer to be invisible.  When I was 17 and joined the army, I figured out that staying quiet and following directions kept me out of the drill sergeant's wrath.  Being invisible is a good defense at times.  I want to see everyone.

I know there are teaching strategies to make sure I get around to every child and no one opts out.  I find closing my eyes in a quiet moment away from school to make sure I haven't forgotten anyone impacts the climate in my room.