The Donkey
Last week we learned about Martin Luther King, Jr. Since I teach in a Literacy Squared classroom (students receive English and Spanish instruction), I decided to read the story Feliz Cumpleanos Martin Luther King. In the story we learn that MLK was called Junior because his father had the same name. In Spanish the word hijo (pronounced EE-ho) was used. All of a sudden, a student says, "Teacher, it's like when you say the word "hijo," it's like you are saying it like a donkey. It's like you're making me think of Shrek. HI-jo, EE-ho!" The class went quiet and then everyone laughed, agreed and started braying like donkeys. Meanwhile I was laughing so hard that my face turned red and tears started rolling down my face.
We will never again be able to say "hijo" and not think of a donkey!
Chickens
So I guess this week we are on an animal kick because the next day, when I asked kids to get their "Book-Box-Books," I said it kind of fast. A student tells her neighbor, "Hey, teacher sounds like a chicken!" So of course, I had to say it again, "Book-Box-Books! Book-Box-Books!" and flap my arms like a chicken.
Again, we were left laughing and in tears. (Go ahead and try it--it really does sound like a chicken!)
Fame
Yesterday morning I was walking down the hallway to my classroom. A young boy was walking in front of me, maybe a kinder or first grader. All of a sudden, he turns around, his eyes get really big and he points at me. "Hey!" he says, "I KNOW you! You--You--You do the songs! I KNOW you!!" It was so dang cute! I asked him his name and shook his hand, then sent him back to class. I signed autographs and avoided paparazzi all the way back to my classroom.
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Some of the best parts of my day are the moments when I let my hair down and just "be" with my students. It is during these moments that we really connect. They see me, not just as the strict teacher who gives them homework, but also as the fun teacher who loves to laugh and play. They know I will be tough on them, but they also know that I care.
I encourage you to enjoy those funny moments with your students. Sometimes they come at the weirdest times but don't reject them--embrace them! Go with the flow and enjoy that time with your class. Those are the moments that help you love your job and that students will remember forever....and you will remember them, too!
Do you have any funny moments you would like to share? Post them here!