Little Teacher

Today while doing the daily "what day, month, date, year, weather is it today" warm up stuff in class I witnessed a spot on impression of me teaching. I've been mimicked before by delightful students trying to be funny, but this kid did it unknowingly.
The students have to answer in full sentences and since the weather is an easy one, there's quite a bit of competition to be called on ;)  It has become a game between those who don't get called to mimic the one who does or try to throw them off by saying the wrong answer and hoping they'll say it too. When they answer wrong because of a friend... it takes FOREVER to get them back on task. Oh the simple joys in a child's life. Joey was called on to answer the weather for the day question. Derek whom Joey has decided he doesn't like (this week) was trying to throw Joey off by saying the same thing only louder. Joey hates to be mimicked. So he begins, and as soon as he hears another voice, he pauses... gives my "unhappy teacher stare" and then..... "the point"  as he says
"Derek, NO, it's NOT your turn."
I had to fake a cough to hide my laughter. I know that look, and that voice! OMG he's got it down! Haha  Wait....do I really look like that? No wonder they don't really listen!
Joey then attempts to restart. Derek bends over so you can't see his head, and continues to say the answer also. Joey pauses again, this time he does the "I'm serious" head cock with the look while pointing. As he says "Derek, I know what you're doing, I can hear you!"
 I've gotta find some new moves! These kids have got it down!

What sound does a worm make?

What sound does a worm make?  Yesterday, I learned the answer to that question.

It screams. High-pitched, small child voice screams. At the absolute top of its lungs. Now multiply that times 11, because that’s how many children I inadvertently caused to make such a noise.   

I had a little bit of time to kill in my Kindergarten class. It’s our “fun day” and the schedule says class activities. They kept requesting to  play “The thumb game” which is Heads up 7-up for those of you who may know it….but yeah they only like the game because they refuse to play correctly and it ends up being unrestrained chaos. I try to keep the chaos to a minimum if I can help it. 

Obviously, that doesn’t always happen.

So I went with Simon says….ultimate teacher that I am ;)   I know it’s a great vocabulary exercise for them AND I get to dictate what they do.  

So we go through the usual touch this part, touch that part, jump this many times, turn around, blah, blah, blah. I’m out of ideas. Dangerous; even a second of down time equals running around the room in circles OR even worse, the lets attach ourselves to the teacher’s legs and try to climb up her torso competition.  

Yes, that happens daily.  

And I can see them inching closer to me, vying for the best climbing position.  

Animal noises! Yes, we can do animal noises!  Make the noise of a lion!   Roars erupt.  I get clawed by one sneaky one, not sure who but that really hurt...ok something more tame. Dog! Make the noise of a dog! Yes, no scratching! Success!  Ok, now they’re really loud….and getting closer….danger! What’s something quiet?   ummmmmm   WORM! Make the sound of a worm!  I don’t know where the hell I got worm from but I was hoping for at least some confusion. 

No such luck.

Instantly, I got 11 SCREAMING children.   WTF??!?!   Worms scream??? Really???  How do I make this stop?  No really, make this stop!  WHY ARE THEY SCREAMING?!? 

It was so loud that two other teachers come rushing to make sure everything is ok. The distraction of another teacher entering the room gets a few of them to stop. 

But then they start again. Of course, because their friends are still making the loud noise and it got an awesome response from the teacher!

So, apparently worms scream. As soon as they stopped, I collapsed in a fit of laughter to the point of tears. And the kids get to attach themselves to my legs, arms, and anything else they can grab.   

They win again.   Worms scream. 

Mental note: Never making that mistake again.