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!

Pilgrim Hats

We made pilgrim hats after rest, today. Ivan (I know) was struck by the beauty of one of the little girls, Maria. He told her she looked so pretty, and also said, "Maria, you just have to marry me.", as he followed her around the room. Upon hearing this, sweet Tess asked Karl (the one who calls me Miss Jedika) to marry her. Unfortunately, he declined her offer. "I don't want to marry you, Tess!" She took it well...she got distracted and forgot about her rejection in moments. Kids are so resilient.

As I have claimed before, the bathroom is where it is the funniest. The children involved will be remain nameless, you'll see why. When the kids woke up from rest time, one boy had had an accident, so I sent him into the bathroom to change. One little girl slipped in the bathroom to relieve herself. When I walk in the boy is pant-less, and the little girl is sitting on the toilet. Could be worse, right? I quickly block the girl from seeing "something", and get his extra clothes out...underwear first. Then I notice the small spot on the bottom of his shirt. Full wardrobe change. The boy whips his shirt off as I'm getting his pants unfolded, so he's just in his undies; the girl is ready to wash her hands but frozen on the stool, in curiosity. Standing on the stool gives her enough height to notice the pant-less boy. Thus the following question, as the boy's back is turned to her, "What is in the front?"
Boy: "Legs."
Girl: "Of your whole body..."
Boy: "Oh, you mean my race cars?" (the pattern of his underwear)
She was instructed to wash her hands the fastest she ever has in her short life, and I'm left wondering how she noticed his nudity around my body sitting on a stool, too. Tricky kids.

Ivan

Ivan has been quite the funny man lately. He's always got something worth posting, so why not dedicate a whole post to this kid?

I have been given permission by Ivan's mom to post this story.
Monday, all the way down the hall to chapel, Ivan was singing "Ima Be" by the Black Eyed Peas. Hilarious. One of the kids walking behind him asked why he was singing that song, which I'm sure this kid had no clue what song it was to begin with. Ivan explains he's singing the song because it's like his mom's name. It kind of does, because Ivan's last name begins with a 'B', too. So, when I tell Ivan's mom, she tells me the background. Ivan has heard a version of "Ima Be" made up by a few college students who call Ivan's mom Momma B. Hence, the song sounding like his mom's name. If you ask him to sing "Ima Be" to you, he'll gladly oblige you.

It has also come to my attention that Ivan is the secret boyfriend of several of the little girls in my class. He has no idea. The mom's of the little girls are starting to come clean about this Ivan love-fest. I mean, he is a really fun kid. He's funny, nice to everyone, can break-dance, and has been caught singing Justin Bieber tunes... What more could a girl ask for?! :)

He also knows how to wink, which I discovered yesterday, when I caught him winking at me. And he wasn't trying to joke anyone... You might say he was flirting a little. Ivan, you rascal.

Romance

It's come to my attention that some clarification must be done, as a classroom romance has become a daily hot topic to eavesdrop. The classroom Casanova is a little guy named, Ivan*. His biggest admirer is a precious girl, Karly*. She has openly proclaimed her love for Ivan multiple times, calling him her boyfriend. She'll shoot him loving glances, and sigh while talking about him.

Things to a negative turn, as they had a spat during center time. Exact words weren't available, however the apology was overheard--sort of.
Ivan: Karly, I'm sorry. Can I still come to your birthday? I still like you.
Karly: Of course! It's ok, Ivan! (while patting him on the arm, very dramatically)

It has also been noticed that Ivan has been flirting with other girls.... the little sister (by a year-ish) of one of my other students, whom he very slyly sauntered up to and either tried to see how tall he was compared to her, or to kiss her. Either way, it was weird looking-- suspicious, to say the least. This little sister's dad, says to me, "I think it's about time I put my foot down." Can't make this stuff up.

*names changed

A Marriage Proposal

Center time allows for humorous eavesdropping, and in the math/ science center, too. Three of my older kids were playing in this center, two boys, one girl. The little girl, asks one of the little boys if he'd like to get married. He looks at her, totally straight-faced and seriously asks, "Well, are we having babies?" She inclined and their center time marriage commenced. Who knew such high stakes would be placed on this relationship by none other than the husband-to-be?

Interestingly enough, this one little boy is quite the fought over man. He is the coveted boyfriend of several little girls, one in our class, and a few more in the other two Pre-K classes. The one little girl in my class who has the world's biggest crush on this 4 year old Casanova, will call me over to chat about him all the time. Calling him her boyfriend, wanting to sit near him, and be in line near him, to play with him sometimes. Oh, she just adores him. And is so animated about her love for him. Precious moments!

Connecting the Dots

I have recently encountered a relationship that truly stumps my students. The kids have seen the pictures of my families that sit atop the cubbies. One of my immediate family, one of the in-laws, and one of my husband and me. I've explained a few times, after they've seen the picture of my husband and me, that I am married to that guy in the picture. They seem to understand that. Their own parents are married-- connection in their mind, we have rings on the same finger. Ok, connection made, or not... They alternate refer to my husband as my dad, or more recently, my son. Apparently, the connection isn't totally there, and understandably so. My marital relationship is missing one vital piece to complete the connection.....my own children that I have birthed. Apparently, I can't possibly be married without also being a mom. And so goes the dialog:
Student: "Mrs. Jess? Are you married?"
Me: "Yes."
Student: "Ok, so, are you a mom?"
Me: "No."
Student: "Do you want to be?"
Me: "Yes, someday, I do want to be a mom."
Student: "Why are you married, then?"
(this conversation,of course, took place in the bathroom, where else?)

On another occasion, I have gone in circles with one little guy about how I'm married, but don't have kids. He didn't get it either. This kid was pretty sharp. Surely, if I was married, I had kids. It didn't make sense any other way. I'm talking at least a 20 minute recess chat, which didn't end up in resolve. At one point, he sat on the playground bench beside me, crossed his leg over his opposite knee, elbow rested on the other knee, and his chin cupped in his hand thinking things over. Too funny!