From the mouths of babes, part 2

1. One of my reading students three years ago was from Mexico. He spoke pretty decent English, but sometimes slang or idioms just confuse non-native speakers. E was a happy sort of fellow, and came in every morning with a big smile on his face. I never saw him mad, sad, upset, etc. He was always happy. One morning, though, he looked pretty stressed.

When I talked to him, he didn't smile. I told him, "My, E, you are in a mood this morning!" and we went about our business.

About ten minutes later, E came up to me and in a low voice said, "Excuse me, Miss? You think I am in the mood?"

I don't know who blushed more...me or E!


2. In reading class last year, one of my kids was singing a song, and one of my adult EAs (Educational Assistants) started to dance in her seat. A boy noticed, and said "Go Miss! Bust a move!! Just don't bust a hip!"


3. My first year of teaching, my juniors were reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I had them working in groups on an assignment when cute blonde C called me over. "Miss P.?? Was it World War 1 or World War 2 that ended slavery?"

I looked at her in shock. D gently patted my shoulder and said, "Don't worry, Miss P., I'll handle it for you." I nodded dumbly and just walked away.


4. One of my freshmen this year is head over heels in love with Zac Effron of High School Musical fame. When she found out that two of the new students in our class were from California, the first words out of her mouth were: "Do you think they know Zac?!?! Do you think they'll introduce me??!!!"


5. Also during my first year of teaching, one of my darling freshman boys raised his hand and asked me, "Can you eat Chapstick?"

I was a little surprised by the question, but told him that though I thought it was disgusting, I didn't think it would do any harm. It's non-toxic after all. About five minutes later, I heard a girl in the back of the room shout, "Eww!!! That's gross! Now you owe me $1.88!!"

I had to try not to laugh as I told J "I thought you were going to eat your own Chapstick! NOT someone else's!"

My step-dad thought this was so funny, that when he was over here visiting and he and J went to the grocery store, he came home with a three-pack for my student. John told me to tell him it was an after school snack.