#Real Conversations and On Why It’s Difficult To Not Miss These Kids

Back after a week long Thanksgiving break which came at a time when I needed it most. Yesterday was first day back and it had rained all the previous evening and continued to pour until the afternoon. I would complain, but I kinda like the rain. And, as typical in this area, the skies quickly cleared to reveal blue skies again.

So my first class started without a hitch. New haircuts, questions about how the break was spent, and definite indications of rest and decreased stress. And definite indications that these kids are not used to being up and about in the a.m. hours.

Me: OK, guys. Finish up your opening activity and we can get started.
E: Writing the multiplication tables?! The 9’s, and doubles? Three times each?!
(I try to change up the way multiplication tables are memorized. Doubles are 2×2, 3×3, etc. One aparts are 2×3, 3×4, 4×5, etc. )
Me: Yep. It’s been a long break. You guys probably forgot them all.
E: Probably. Wait, you want us to do the one-aparts too?! Three times?
…that’s UNAMERICAN!!
(pauses for a second and starts cracking up.)

3 minutes later:
J: E, are you still laughing at your own joke?
E: Yes! It’s funny!!
Me: I like people who can laugh at their own jokes. It means you don’t need the approval of others to think you’re funny.
E: Thanks, Ms. –! You’re the best.
(note: E is from El Salvador.)

Here’s another conversation I’ve had with a student recently:
H: I’m German.
Me: Cool! Can you speak any German? Sprechen sie Deutch?
H: Huh? No.
Me: You can’t say you’re German if you can’t say, “I’m German.”
(I give her a wink to let her know I’m not serious.)
H: I can say I’m German!
Me: Really? OK! Say it.
H: “I’m German!” Huh?

(She watches me as I crack up for a few minutes and tell her she’s awesome.) 

#Real Conversations

Me: (Looking at student’s progress report) You need to work on graphing linear equations.
Student: There’s no value in that! I won’t use it anytime in my future–
Me: It’ll get you a passing grade on your Algebra class so you won’t have to retake it and be a super senior.
Student: OK. I’ll let you teach it to me if you give me two cookies and a gummy bear and that cashew thing.
Me: No.
Student: How about just two cookies?
Me: No.
Student: OK, one cookie and a gummy.
Me: No.
Student: One cookie!
Me: No.
Student:  Half a cookie!
Me: (Beaks down and laughs)

…he didn’t get a cookie. Saved by the bell. I will teach him linear equations (that was not his study hall period.)