bucket

On Dr. Seuss's birthday my class ate green eggs and ham. While we were eating we were rhyming.

A student asked me, "Would you, could you with a goat?"
I said, "I would, I could in a boat."
A little boy said, "Would you, could you in a bucket?"
I said, "I'm not sure I know a word that rhymes with bucket."
He thought about it and said, "Fuck it! Fuck it rhymes with bucket."
I bit my lip.
A little hand touched my sleeve. I looked down and another little boy offered, "Do you want me to tell him that it's a bad word?"

How do you do it?

At my school we are still allowed to dress up for Halloween. Last year, I dressed up as the Tooth Fairy. The children in the classroom next door had a difficult time understanding that the it was just a costume.

A few weeks after Halloween a little girl from the other class came up to me in the hallway - How do you do it?

Teacher - How do I do what?

Little girl - How do you get in everybody's house?

Teacher - Sweetie, what are you talking about?

Little girl - Santa has a sleigh. Do you fly?

Teacher - Oh, you mean, as the Tooth Fairy?

Little girl - I know you're the Tooth Fairy, but how do you get to everybody's house in one night? How do you know who lost their teeth?

Teacher laughes - When you grow up, you might want to be a reporter. (Leaning down to tell the child confindentially). I am not actually the Tooth Fairy. I just wore that costume for Halloween.

A second girl joined the first and they moved a foot away from me as if I could not hear them.

Second little girl - How does she do it?

First little girl - She wouldn't tell me.

You don't?

Little boy - You weren't here yesterday.
Teacher - No, I was sick. I stayed home.
Little boy looks confused - You don't live here?

Compliments

A little boy was writing a list of what he likes.

I like dogs.
I like Mrs. Robidoux (our classroom assistant.)


He gave the list to my assistant.

She laughed - I think that's a compliment.

He considered her response for a moment - I almost put you first, but I really like dogs.

Effective but outdated strategies

In my class we have peer tutoring. I encourage the students who have mastered a skill to work with those who are still struggling with it.

One little girl picked up a ruler and smacked the little boy she was tutoring. I ran over there.

Teacher - Honey, you cannot smack your "student".
Little girl puffed up with indignation - My mom says her teachers used to hit her with a ruler to get her to listen.
Teacher shakes her head - Teachers don't hit students anymore.
Little girl - But it works!

Oh, yes!

Little girl - If I were the teacher I would let the kids play all day.
Teacher - Do you think they would learn as much?
Little girl - It's ok if they don't learn this stuff.
Teacher - When you gave your students to the first grade teacher, she would ask you why they did not know how to read and write.
Little girl - They ask you that?
Teacher - Oh, yes! I have to make sure everyone can read for their first grade teacher.
Little girl hugs teacher - That can't be easy.

Love notes

I was at my desk writing down the lunch order when one student approached my desk and slipped me a note. He whispered - Don't show your husband.

Scribbled inside it read - Mrs. Cardello. I love you. You are cute.