A Bit Too Honest

Today our music teacher came into my classroom to explain that one of her beaver puppets had been taken during music time yesterday. She didn't know if it was my class and was talking to all the classes. She politely and kindly told the kids how disappointed she was in it being lost, how the game was ruined without it, and if they had any information to let her know or the teacher. Before she could leave the room this conversation happened.

Student: (who shall remain nameless although he has been mentioned in most of the entries from this year and I suspect will continue, all year, to find his antics written about) I didn't take it, you know. Last year I had a bad habit. I was a stealer. I stole a lot of stuff last year. But, I've given up that habit. I haven't stolen anything this year .... at least not anything of importance.

Music Teacher: (because I had turned around and was laughing hysterically, yet silently) Well, [student] you shouldn't steal at all.

Student: I know that is why I have given up that habit. But, I bet someone else has stolen my bad habit and is now a stealer. Yep, I bet that is what happened.

My guess? That beaver puppet didn't look so important and is now at [student's] home, tucked under his bed until it will be dragged out and consumed by the family dog. Poor Mr. Beaver.

Of Mice and Boys

A couple days ago a dear friend of mine blogged about her son putting on boots that had been in the garage. He wore them for about 45 minutes when they were removed and a dead, rotting mouse was discovered in the inside. What made him take them off after 45 minutes? The maggots crawling around his toes. UGHHHH! But, seriously, can you let that story just remain on the screen without sharing it? NO WAY! I had to share it with my class. 2nd Graders love a good disgusting tale every once in a while, especially during the Halloween season. That led to this discussion that I thought just as great.

Student: "Mrs. Grant, we thought we had one mouse in our fridge once."

Me: (caught by surprise) "In the fridge? You mean like the refrigerator?"

Student: (as serious as can be) "Yes, in the fridge." He gestured with his head as he spoke those words.

Me: "UGGHH" "GASP"

Student: "But, when my dad moved a whole bunch of stuff around in the fridge we didn't have one. We had four mice in the fridge."

Me: (nearly vomiting the pineapple upside down yogurt I'd eaten for lunch) "Did you eat them?"

Student: "Well, no. We threw them away."

Just one of those things you gotta remember. His mother would die if she knew he had told me. That makes the story even better.

The Big Return

Going back to school after Potato Harvest is so much harder than starting the year. All the excitement of the new year is over. I already know what I'm facing and what problems have to be dealt with. But, I have to reteach all the class management stuff. I hate that. Why can the students remember the unimportant things like when free-time is, and signing up for lunch, and what time school ends, but they can't remember to raise their hands or don't talk when someone else is talking? I find that interesting.

It has been a good two weeks and I've been working on psyching myself up to meet "the student." I was already for him. I decided that I can deal with him for seven hours a day. I'll be okay. Then what happened? He had to go and move into my subdivision. I can't let him know I live here. Now I won't be able to go outside until June - when school ends. I hope he hates "'Trick or Treating!"

Wah wah wah!!