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It’s that time of year when we begin to actually stop complaining and think about all that we have, and all that we have for which to be thankful. Family, friends, a warm (albeit less than stellar) place to live, and above all, children to consistently put you in check. Oh is that last one just me?
This year I have some really amazing kids in my class. Now, TBH, the amount of love that I have for every student that’s ever crossed my path is truly boundless, but guys, I seriously, really, truly, madly love my class this year. They are sweet, kind, hard-working, and not to mention, freaking hilarious. I try to jot down the little gems that come spewing out of their mouths in Notes as they come, but I would be on my phone all day: and what kind of a teacher would I be then? (A fantastic one, duh.)
On accepting everyone’s differences
Me: What’s the theme of the story? What’s the message?
Jill: It doesn’t matter if you have cross eyes, you can still be friends.
Kindness is the fine-ness, my friends.
On marriage
My coworker was explaining to the class that she got married this summer and her name changed:
Becky: Who did you marry?
Coworker: A man named Jon.
Becky: I have an uncle named Jon, is it him?
Tommy: Hey, I have an uncle named Jon!
Chrissy: I have an uncle named Jeff!
We just… don’t understand.
Being honest is a very good character trait we understand and demonstrate. Every day, I greet my students at the door. One student, in particular, was standing in front of me, looking at my face very quizzically, and then said:
Michael: You look like a dead person.
And that’s when I realized I had absolutely no make-up on that day. The next day, I slapped a few coats on, so when the same student studied my face, the next day he nodded her head and said:
Michael: Mmm, better.
When your teacher misses school… plus wedding talk:
Jim: Where were you, we thought you died?
Me: I was at my cousin’s wedding, but I missed you all! How was everyone’s weekend?
Tim: I went to a wedding once!
Sam: Did you dance? Flower girls only like you if you dance.
Well, your classmate already thought I was a dead person, so that’s out there. But, like… not dancing at a wedding? This is the truth.
Birthdays are a reflective time. I make a pretty big deal about birthdays, besides passing out cupcakes, cookies, brownies, Rice Krispies treats, Oreos, cake, pie, and anything else remotely sugary, fun, or cool. We sing and everyone gets a pencil. But besides that, we also have life’s important discussions:
Me: It was Jimmy’s birthday over the weekend, let’s all wish him ‘Happy Birthday!’”
Mary: How old are you?!?
Jimmy: I’m seven!
Mary: Wow, I’m only six, I can’t wait to be seven.
Jimmy: Listen…(looks at her in the eyes, pauses) make six last.
I half expected him to continue with “stay golden”, but then the conversation turned to all of the toys he got for his birthday.
On civic duty
Upon seeing my “I voted” sticker on Election Day:
Michael: My dad had an ewection!
Me: Mmmm, beg your pardon?
Michael, a bit exasperated: My… Dad… Had… An… Ewection. (Points at sticker, but keeps moving hand and just full on swipes across my chest, yes… making full contact.)
Me: Ohhh, that’s great! And let’s remember personal space.
Geography is something that we’re mastering
Chrissy: I’m very scared for my daddy…He’s going on a business trip to Pennsylvania.
Me: (very concerned): Oh, why are you scared?
Chrissy: It’s where Dracula lives!
There are some questions that should never be asked and answered
Sarah: How old are you?
Me: Old.
Sarah: Like, old enough to drive?
Me: Yes.
Sarah: Old enough to fly a plane?
Me: Yes, but I don’t have a pilot’s license, so I don’t fly planes.
Sarah: That’s okay, my mom doesn’t have her car license. Well, she did, but then she hit a bunch of cars on our street and left her car in our backyard.
During our snowy weather, which happened last week
Robby: Oh, look, the weatherman was actually right… started at (checks fake watch) noon after all. (And then this kid went back to doing math problems.)
First of all, I’m pretty sure that this kid is my grandfather reincarnated. Second, for any kid to just go back to work after seeing the first snowfall of the year… I’m now convinced that this kid is everybody’s grandfather reincarnated.
We are thankful.
Me: Let’s think about all of the things that we are so thankful for! What are some ideas? Let’s all think and share!
Sarah: I’m thankful for my Legos! (Murmurs such as “Ugh, that’s what I was going to say!” begin to reverberate throughout the room.)
Michael: I’m thankful for my mom and dad. (The comment, “Ugh, that’s what I was going to say!” echoes in the room… a little bit louder now.)
Becky: I’m thankful for my friends! (A LITTLE BIT LOUDER NOW!)
Robby: I’m thankful for a warm place to live, food to eat, and friends and family.
Silence… Followed by…
Jimmy: Well, what am I supposed to be thankful for then?!?
SHOUT! .
Respond
@_mmmk8
This needs to be a monthly series
Michael is a rising star.
Michael will make a great Supreme Court Justice some day.
C’mon fam….
It’s meant to be funny not political.
Last Friday we had a student, who normally rides the bus, have his Mom pick him up. She was running ever so slightly late:
Me: G, what kind of car does your mom drive?
G: A Lincoln, you know the kind that is nice on the outside, but dirty on the inside?
Don’t sell Jimmy short. Kid’s no slouch. He and Michael will be a solid one-two combo.
Sarah’s mom likes to party.
That Michael is a straight up Savage. Wonder if his middle name is Brad or Chad and how much Patagonia he wears.
Still one of the best series on this site.