Chalkfinger?

Is there something, a disease, an affliction or some sort of syndrome, called chalkfinger?

You might have heard about James Bond’s Goldfinger or even Cornelia Fünke’s Dustfinger. But this “condition” is not fiction.

It starts with black pants with white chalk hands all over it and soon after you’ll experience the dreaded chalk film that deftly covers all your possessions. This is how I came to the realisation that chalkfinger might be a global pedagogic pandemic.

Since starting school again a few days ago (after the three-week Fifa-induced holiday), I have noticed a sharp pain in the middlefinger of my right hand. I considered lack of use and even stiffness caused by the cold winter air. But surely then I would have felt this before?

I therefore wondered if I am not maybe affected by chalkfinger, caused by hour-upon-hour of writing on the blackboard. Maybe I have discovered a new condition only ever found in very special people – teachers…

In any case…

It feels good to be back.