I was walking in the hallway with my new students when one of them asked my age...
Mrs. B: Well, let's see, I'm 47. No. Wait. I'm 48. (pause) No, 47...wait...umm...
(Two of the students exchange looks of concern.)
Natalia: That's okay, Mrs. B. It doesn't matter how old you are. You're already losing your mind.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
One of the first things I teach in math is the concept of time. Specifically, I teach the meaning of a.m. and p.m.--ante meridiem and post meridiem. Getting an 8-year-old to pronounce these phrases is somewhat of a challenge...
Mrs. B: So, yesterday we learned what a.m. and p.m. stands for. Does anyone remember what that is?
Madeline: I do! It stands for ante mnem-mnem-mnem.
Mrs. B: So, yesterday we learned what a.m. and p.m. stands for. Does anyone remember what that is?
Madeline: I do! It stands for ante mnem-mnem-mnem.
The students were creating timelines of their lives. This is a great activity because it generates a lot of conversation and bonding in the class. Sometimes, it's just a case of TMI...
Braxton: I was born on a Sunday and my mom said it was raining that day!
Brady: I was born with a bunch of yellow junk all over me!
Colton: Oh, yeah! Well my mom said I was born with a cone head!
Braxton: (checking out Colton's head) Yeah, I can see that.
Braxton: I was born on a Sunday and my mom said it was raining that day!
Brady: I was born with a bunch of yellow junk all over me!
Colton: Oh, yeah! Well my mom said I was born with a cone head!
Braxton: (checking out Colton's head) Yeah, I can see that.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
The first day is always interesting...
Mrs. B: So I see I have two Johnathans this year. Do you both like to be called John?
The Johnathans: Yes.
Mrs. B: Okay. Is there anyone else who likes to be called something other than the name I wrote on your name tag?
Carter: Yes. I'd like you to call me "Catnip."
Mrs. B: Wha...?
Nahla: (interrupting) Yeah! And I want you to call me "Nay."
Braxton: I want to be called "Bray!"
Michelle: Call me "Peanut."
(Students all begin shouting out weird nicknames made up on the spot.)
Mrs. B: Ummmm...I think we need to start over...
Mrs. B: So I see I have two Johnathans this year. Do you both like to be called John?
The Johnathans: Yes.
Mrs. B: Okay. Is there anyone else who likes to be called something other than the name I wrote on your name tag?
Carter: Yes. I'd like you to call me "Catnip."
Mrs. B: Wha...?
Nahla: (interrupting) Yeah! And I want you to call me "Nay."
Braxton: I want to be called "Bray!"
Michelle: Call me "Peanut."
(Students all begin shouting out weird nicknames made up on the spot.)
Mrs. B: Ummmm...I think we need to start over...
Friday, August 9, 2013
I tend to get a lot of former students visiting during "meet the teacher" night. One highly precocious student from last year stopped by for a brief chat. Keep in mind, this child is nine...
Mrs. B: So how about those test scores! You exceeded in reading and math!
Emmett: Yup. I knew I would, but my sister...(shakes his head in disbelief and chagrin)...she's dyslexic.
Mrs. B: Really? How do you know?
Emmett: Oh, I just know. But I think if they put her in the gifted classroom, she'd bump up.
Mrs. B: Interesting analysis. Are you planning on being a teacher when you grow up?
Emmett: (horrified at the thought) Oh, no. Teachers don't make enough money!
Mrs. B: So how about those test scores! You exceeded in reading and math!
Emmett: Yup. I knew I would, but my sister...(shakes his head in disbelief and chagrin)...she's dyslexic.
Mrs. B: Really? How do you know?
Emmett: Oh, I just know. But I think if they put her in the gifted classroom, she'd bump up.
Mrs. B: Interesting analysis. Are you planning on being a teacher when you grow up?
Emmett: (horrified at the thought) Oh, no. Teachers don't make enough money!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
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