When I am talking to kids, I often realize how differently I will phrase things in order to make them student-appropriate. For example, recently I was subbing for 2nd grade and the kids were writing about pets. One child wrote that he wanted a pet parrot. I smiled and said "A parrot is a neat pet. But you have to be careful. I got bitten on my finger by a parrot once."
The little boy asked what happened, and I paused for a second.
What I say to a child: "Well, I was not making good choices and I put my finger in his cage."
What I would say to an adult: "I was being a dumbass and wanted to see how hard it could bite. And yeah, it bites HARD. I almost shattered a knuckle. Luckily his beak had just been filed. Seriously though, totally stupid and I was sober, which makes it even worse."
Other examples:
"You need to keep your hands to yourself." Keep your hands to yourself or I won't notice when that girl clocks you for touching her hair again.
"That was not a good choice." What the hell is wrong with you??
"I can't seem to find it" Your teacher needs to clean this crap up because I can't even find a damn pencil.
"That was an interesting experience." I'm so blogging about this shit later.
This 7 year old meant "I like dogs" but instead wrote "I like god." I'm sure God understands the mix-up. It probably happens a lot. Especially when you're 7.
School has started! I got a call to come in for 2nd grade! After 3 months off, I was ready to be back!
Excitement! Energy!
MISS P IS BACK!!!!!
Our schools have faced severe cuts this year. There is a lot to be upset about. Many of my teacher friends have lost their jobs. But this blog is not ever going to be sad. There is still a lot to be happy about and a lot of joy and goodness here. And that's what I'm going to share, because I love school, and these tough times will pass.
