Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Super Powers

One morning, I was approached by one of the boys, who often has itches on his back. He asked if I would snip the tag off of his shirt because it was bothering him. I declined his request, and said that his mom may not want me to cut the tag. Bewildered, he looked at me and said, "Well, my mom super powers to do that".

Monday, May 9, 2011

Caught in the Act

It isn't uncommon for the kids to impolitely remind me of things I do or don't do according to themselves. Like, if the napkins aren't passed out in 5 seconds flat, someone is so kind to remind me that they don't have a napkin and the implication that it must be a malicious act against him or her, is made obvious.
The other day I had a similar kind of moment. I was reminded, however, not about something that I had forgotten per se. It was one of those mornings that the class was having a hard time listening, and certain kids needed firm reminders of behavior. After scolding one rascally kid, sweet Kameron looks up at me and asks if I am done being mad. He got me. Now, I wasn't mad really, just trying to enforce the use of kind words or obedience, which occasionally requires a not-so-friendly voice. I definitely made a point to make my happiness known the rest of the day.

Asking the Right Questions

I was able to have a delightful chat with one of the girls, Amanda, who I usually don't have the opportunity to have one-on-one time. During recess, she needed to stand by me for whatever reason (not because she was in trouble), so I took advantage of that, scooped her up and we had a nice long talk. Some of the highlights that are appropriate:

She is the only child in this class who admits to being small. Everyone else is insistent they are big, not Ashley. A:"I'm not really big, I'm just little."
Me: How do you know you're little?
A: Because I wear small undies. (Side note: she and her sister will never use the word panties, no matter how many times it is said around them, they are always quick to correct that blunder. "Silly, girls wear undies!") And my mom has undies, but my dad doesn't.
Me: (hiding my laughter) Oh.
A: And, you gotta change your undies to clean after they're dirty.
Me: How do you know when they're dirty?
A: You have them on and then they're dirty.
Me: Huh, good thinking.

Then the subject got switched to who is the boss... :)
Me: Does Amanda act bossy to you at home sometimes?
A: No.
Me: Well, that's good. Who is the boss, then?
A: My dad.
Me: How do you know he's the boss?
A: Because he gets the ice cream--balella (vanilla)
Me: Oh, is your mom the boss, too?
A: No, but she finishes the ice cream.

A conversation well worth my time. Ha 

Thursday, April 7, 2011

More Recent Hilarity

Ivan collected all the boys, all being 5, in a huddle where they all put in their hands and began to huff like athletes do to pump themselves up, then after about 20 huffs the broke the huddle, while yelling, "Wildcats!". He is something else. Ivan also rallies the boys to to a call and answer bit from High School Musical, "What team is this?!" and then the boys are supposed to say, "Wildcats!". It's starting to catch on, thankfully.

Breathing has also become a serious notification in the last week or two. One of my little friends, Tara, excitedly tells me at various points during the day that she is in fact, breathing. After the prayer, definitely after PE, after rest, during lunch or story. It's a big deal to continue to breath during these many activities we do. :)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Today's hilarity:
 "Redcoats, Redcoats!" Two of the girls yelled as the ran around the playground. First, how did they know that those words should be yelled with a tone of alarm? Second, supposing they aren't history buffs, how did they come up with redcoats and pair it with fear?

The daily serenades of Justin "Beaver" continues, and while no one has learned another song aside from "Baby", singing the same line over and over and over still entertains me. I've asked our main "Beaver" fan, Ivan, if he could sing me a new tune, but he refused, as he was brushing his sweaty hair to the side, like his favorite pop icon.

This morning's snack time was dominated by knock-knock jokes--the made up kind. Not the classic "orange you glad I didn't say banana"... After about 10 "histerical" jokes (oh, yes, I played the part of the cracked up teacher for all 10. Knee slapping included.), I decided to throw them for a loop. When asked, "Knock, knock?", I happily replied, "Come in!", or "Hi, Ivan!". It unfortunately only won me a blank stare for a split second before they continued on with their joking. I thought I was being clever...they'll catch up someday.

Recent hilarity:
Our Spring Music program was last week. The kids sang 3 songs, which all included some kinds of motions. Let me be the first to say, these kids are gamers. Most of them would slump around and stand perfectly still, no motions, no singing during our many music classes and rehearsals.  However, 7pm last Thursday, hips were swirling (although that face was stony), hand were put into pants, noses were picked, and dust particles caught. They sang their songs, mostly, and did a great job! If only I could post pictures... ha

It has come to my attention, and I shouldn't be too surprised, that these students do not know my last name. But asking them what my last name is turned a dreary morning, sunny. Basically, they just inserted their own last name. I now belong to about 12 different families, not including my own.

Today's sincerity:
I was told by one of the boys today, that I was his sister in Christ. Now if that isn't just the most precious thing to be told, I don't know what else is!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

A New Year, more funnies

A welcome back summary of events is due.

An immediately noticeable Christmas break effect was the use of the words, "oh, poop", from 'Despicable Me'. While I thoroughly enjoy that movie, you just aren't allowed to say "oh, poop" at school, no matter how cute and funny it is. Sorry.

For our Bible lesson's for the month/unit, we are learning about the full armor of God. My favorite piece of armor is most definitely the 'belt of truth'. It has come in quite handy. Little do those poor kids realize, it is a great tool to resolve conflict, and the more they remember from our armor discussions, the less they want to answer my questions. ha When the kids come up to me, tattling, I make them put on their belt of truth, literally. Then, the kids figure out maybe this is not what they were hoping for when they sought out my assistance. So far, the truth has managed to come out.

Also, a bit of knowledge I have gleaned from our Bible time, is that the devil says stupid, and sometimes stupid words. He is a bad, bad guy, that devil, saying stupid. (I wish they could be so appalled at his stupid words forever.)

Yesterday was a snow day, so of course the kids wanted to play out in the snow for recess. One of our twins, Kevin, told the class that "we will play in the snow, and we will laugh!" Easy for him to say, he laughs all the time. He was so insistent we played in the snow.

While on potty patrol, my former broken legged girl told me that when she is done being in Mrs. Penny's class, she will go to 6th grade. Way to go, kid! She also refuses to accept that she will have another birthday between now and Christmas. She said she'd ask her dad... I've said it once, and I'm sure I'll say it a million times, they don't think I'm too smart.