Sometimes it takes a third-grader to make it all clear...

Friday, August 16, 2013

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.

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.





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.

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...




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!


Thursday, July 25, 2013

Hi, everyone!  School is back in session the second week of August.  Rumor has it that I have some, well, let's call them "energetic and unique" students this next year.  The good news is, they are always the funniest, so it should be a good year for 3rd grade philosophy.  

Thursday, May 23, 2013

It is getting to be a bit crazy.  The kids are sassy and everyone is ready for summer break...

Mrs. B:  (In response to a smart-alecky remark)  Whatever.

Wyeth:  Whatever?  That's all you got?!  Whatever?!