I think it is so funny how students view their teachers. I remember when I was a youngster and I thought my teachers were so old. Now I realize that those teachers who I thought were nearly dead back in the day are now only in their 80s. That means they were around my current age. That is weird. No wonder my students occasionally call me "Grandma".
The other thing I find funny is that students think teachers live, drink, and sleep teaching. I can't count how many times students have asked me if I have a whiteboard at home. Or, they nearly faint when they see me at the grocery store because I have left the school. One time a student asked me where I slept in the school, like I'm a firefighter at a firehouse.
Yesterday was the best example of the odd views that students have. We were talking about "Finding the Area of a Shape" in math. Second grade uses a very basic approach to this concept, mainly just introducing the vocabulary. But, as we were discussing, I mentioned that mathematicians have developed formulas and algorithms to make finding area easier. One person in the class asked, "What are mathematicians?" I answer, "Mathematicians are people, MUCH smarter than me, who make math easier for people." Oscar raised his hand and said, "Mrs. Grant. There are people smarter than you?" Oh, that is the sweetest thing. My heart swelled with pride and I was thinking what a good teacher I must be. Until Treyson shouted out, "Oh, yeah. There are LOTS of people smarter than her." Instant humbling.
Love those kids!!!
