Two funnies

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Mrs. A: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Golden Boy: "I'm having a hard time deciding between two things."

Mrs. A: "Well, tell me and maybe we can decide together."

GB: "A spy or a ninja."

Mrs. A (laughing inside): "Well, I don't know bud. That's a tough decision."

GB: "I think I'm going to go with spy because I like all their gadgets."

Mrs. A: "I think that's a good choice. Plus, a spy is kind of like a ninja sometimes."

GB: "Yeah, and an assassin." 

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I just got a great e-mail from a parent this morning. After telling me something about our field trip to the zoo tomorrow she said:

"Oh, and I just wanted to tell you that 'R' told his dad last night that there is 'No one awesomer than Mrs. Anderson.'"

Seriously?! I have the best job ever!

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Today was a good day

Today = another great day in kindergarten. Funny, joyful, and always entertaining. :)

We had a few visitors come today from a local bank. It was "Teach Kids to Save" day, so they visited each grade and discussed different concepts of saving. They did a great job with the kinders! They talked about safe places and unsafe places to keep money. The kids loved it.

Here are a few little highlights from the bank program:

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"A wallet is a good place to keep money. My dad keeps almost $10 in his wallet every week!"

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Visitor: "Let's pretend you have your money in your sock drawer. What might happen if your mom goes through your sock drawer?"

Student 1: "She might take your money."

Golden Boy: "I doubt it."

[If you don't know know Golden Boy, read more about him HERE.]

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GB: "My friend took a dollar from me."

Student: "What did you do?"

GB: "I took a dollar from him."

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After the bank visitors left, I asked each kinder what they were saving their money for. Here are their word-for-word answers:

Mrs. A: "What are you saving for?"

"For college."

"For my vacation to Disney World."

"For a car."

"For a toy -- a Barbie."

"To go to SeaWorld."

"For a Jeep."

"For a Camaro."

"For birthdays."

"For a limosine."

"For college."

"For a yellow car."

"For a convertible and college."

"To buy toys."

"For a laptop."

"For Adventureland."

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Last... but definitely not least... my favorite part of today.

At the end of each day, two students are "assigned" to feed, water, and clean-up our class pet, Ecko. Ecko is our adorable leopard gecko. Here he is:

The kinders LOVE him. It's so cute. I love the way they treat him so humanely, speak to him so kindly, and feed him his live crickets without even squirming. :) He has been a wonderful addition to our classroom for the past two years -- and a great lesson learned for the kinders.

Well, today, I was taking the lid on his cage for the kiddos to feed him, and I saw this...

I asked the kids who put them there and two of them quickly raised their hands. After asking them what they were, they simply replied: "They're books. For Ecko!"

Yep. A couple of my sweet little kinders wrote books for Ecko. Tiny, lizard-sized books. They even propped them up in front of his cage.

Even better... after school I saw him popping his head out and reading.

I can't wait to show the kinders this picture tomorrow!

Golden Boy learns about Earth Day

Happy Earth Day to everyone... although if you're in my kindergarten class, it's Happy Earth Week! I love this week. There's so much to do, make, learn, and read about. I'll try to post some highlights after the week is over.

Well, Golden Boy was pretty excited about Earth Day. And, oh my, he was on fire with the questions this afternoon. I know every time I call on him, it will be golden. But today, it was extraordinary. What a hoot.
[If you don't know know Golden Boy, read more about him HERE.]

One of the best things Golden Boy has started doing is quantifying his questions so he makes sure I take the time to hear them all. For example, I'll call on him and he'll say: "Yeah, I've got... (pause and mentally count)... 3 questions." Anyways, here we go.

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Golden Boy: "Yeah, I have two questions."
Mrs. A: "Okay."
GB: "Like, how do the trees make clean air?"
Mrs. A: "Well, their leaves help breathe in air and breathe out oxygen while they're making the tree's food." (We've learned about the leaves' job in the past.)
GB: "Okay, but how do we have clean air in the winter then?"
Mrs. A: "Well, that's a good question, bud. Maybe the coniferous trees do all the work in the Winter because they don't lose their leaves?"
GB: "Maybe, but that's not fair."

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GB: "Umm, Mrs. Anderson, if we need trees so much, why do people cut them down?"
Mrs. A: "Well, sometimes trees get sick so we have to cut them down. Or, sometimes people need the wood for fires or houses or furniture or paper. Remember when we learned about that in science? We should just always try to plant new trees, too."
GB: "But, how do they make paper? Because paper is so floppy and trees are so hard!"

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GB: "Is today the Earth's birthday?"

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And, just a super cute conversation I overheard today:

Mrs. A (to Student 1): "Oooh! I really like your vase of flowers we made in math today. You knocked my socks off!" (A term I use often with the kinders.)

Student 1 beams. :)

Student 1 (to Student 2): "Did yours knock Mrs. Anderson's socks off?"

Student 2: "No, mine ripped her socks off!" 

Ha ha -- too cute.

A "hail" of a day in kindergarten!

Today was hilarious.

It just was.

Everything that happened today was funny. I love this class so much -- they bring so much joy to my days. I had to come home and write about today. 

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[If you don't know about  "Golden Boy," read more here.]

Golden Boy (looking at our class pet): "Mrs. Anderson, how do you know if leopard geckos are boys or girls?"
Me: "Well, that's the funny thing about geckos. You can't tell if they are boys or girls without taking them to a very special doctor. So, when I got Ecko, I decided he would just be a boy."
GB: "Well, that's good because I know he's a boy."
Me: "How do you know that?"
GB: "I can just feel it when I look at him."
Me: "Oh, I see."
GB: "Plus he has that long pointy thing on the back of him."
Me: "Well, dear, that's his tail. Remember when we learned about his tail?"
GB: "Yeah, do the girls have those, too?"
Me: "Yes, they do."

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Today, we had a guest teacher in the classroom next door to us (in Mrs. S's room). She is a little person, and I have worked with her before. She is a great substitute teacher -- and, as could be expected, our little kinders were quite amazed. Mostly... Golden Boy when he first arrived at school.

GB (looking quite astonished): "Did Mrs. S shrink? Or is that a different person?"

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But, the funniest thing that happened today was this morning at calendar time. I am so glad another adult (a para) was in the room at that time -- it was so funny! I'm so glad I had someone to laugh about this with. Like I always say about my job -- "You just can't make this stuff up!"

The kids and I were sitting in the reading pit and we just finished up our quick calendar routine (date, day of the week, etc.) My kids were dying to talk about the weather, so we took a nice long 10 minutes to talk about last night's weather. Around 8:00 last night, a brief, but violent, hail storm came. It only hit certain parts of the city, but hurt lots of cars and skylights.

We were discussing the storm and what happened (they learned a new word -- damage). One little girl said the hail did not happen at her house, so we were describing it for her. We were showing her with our fingers how big they were (about gumball size) and describing that they look just like round ice cubes.

One of the kids says: "Mrs. Anderson! There's one under your chair!"

Sure enough, I look under my chair, and there is a perfect hailstone on the carpet. The para and I look at each other very confusingly. I am quite shocked and I immediately start looking at the ceiling. 

The para and I are searching for a hole, when I say: "Boys and girls, do you know where this hailstone came from?"
One of my little guys says: "Oh! I do! They're right here in my pocket."

He then casually whips out two handfuls of perfectly preserved hailstones from his sweatshirt pockets!!!!

I was in tears laughing! It was probably the funniest, most innocent thing I've ever seen. He just brings them out like it's the most normal thing he's ever done.

I have no clue how he kept them frozen, but it was hilarious. The little girl who didn't see the hail sure was happy to see them. :)

The golden boy

If you read my "Pure Gold", this is more about my little kinder friend. I think I will start calling him the Golden Boy on my blog. He seriously has the funniest, most innocent, honest things to say! Everytime he comments or asks a question, I am reminded of just how lucky I am to enjoy little minds everyday. 

He just has a way of thinking that is different. When I look at him when I'm reading a book or we're discussing a topic, I can literally see his "wheels turning." He is such a clever little guy -- and cracks me up everyday.

Well, here's a little snippet from today. Look for more Golden Boy quotes soon. :) 

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Mrs. A (while were talking about the letter W): "You're right. Before I was married, I had a different last name and it started with W -- Weaver."

... Golden Boy's wheels start turning...

GB: "Mrs. A, where do grown-ups come from?"
Mrs. A: "Well, they grow-up from babies and kids... like you!"
GB: "Yeah, I know that. But, like, how are grown-ups alive?"
Mrs. A: "Well, hmmm. Like I was a kid like you, and then I grew-up..."
GB: "No, no, no. I know that. But, like, how did God make grown-ups?"
Mrs. A (still confused how to answer this): "Well, grown-ups have babies, and then those babies have grown-ups..."
GB: "Yeah, but like who were the first grown-ups? Who started it all? Like, who were the first two grown-ups?"

... by this time, about 7 kids' hands have shot up because they realize they know that answer! I, on the other hand, am rapidly trying to figure out how to change the subject.

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Never a dull day with the Golden Boy.

Things that made me laugh this week

I don't know what it was about last week, but it was pretty hilarious. Had to share some of my favorites.

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Mrs. A: "Boys and girls, we have been learning a lot about money in math. Why do we need money?"

Student 1: "So we don't die."

Mrs. A: "Okay... so we can buy things we need to live. Anyone want to add on to that?"

Student 2: "So we can buy a t.v. so we're not bored all the time."

Mrs. A: "Okay... so we can buy things that we want, too. Anyone else?"

Student 3: "This is pretty much gonna sum it all up. We need money so we don't get poor and lonely."

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(I am cutting out lamination during rest time, and a student is watching me.)

Student: "Mrs. Anderson, are you magic?"

Mrs. A: "No, I'm not magic. What do I do that makes you think I'm magic?"

Student: "Everything!"

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And lastly... a great little story a student wrote about an elephant. The second line says it all. :)

By the way... It's supposed to say "I love peanuts." :)

Pure gold

Every year, you have one. One student who makes you laugh out loud everyday. And not because he/she is trying! Just because everything that comes out of his/her mouth is pure gold.

I have a little boy in my class just like that right now. He literally makes me laugh everyday. And, to top it off, he raises his hand probably 200 times a day. I try to call on him as much as possible -- because I know it's going to be good -- but he would comment all day if I let him! He has a comment for everything.

Well, over the last week or so, he has been on fire. He has no idea the comments that come out of him are hilarious -- but they are.

He simply reminds me to not take things so seriously. I thought I'd share some of his "gems" from the last week:

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Student: "Mrs. A, why did you want to be a teacher?"
Mrs. A: "Well, because I love kids and I love to read. And it's so much fun!"
Student: "Really?! Because I think it looks like a whole lot of hard work."

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Student: "Mrs. Anderson, I know why that policeman has a gun."

Mrs. A: "Why?"

Student: "To make bad guys put their hands up!"

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Mrs. A: "Today, boys and girls, we are going to read a non-fiction book about Antarctica."
Student: "Oooh! I've been there!"
Mrs. A: "Are you sure? Remember when we read that only scientist go there?"
Student: "Well, yeah. I mean, my dad used to be a scientist, so he's been there."
Mrs. A: "Are you sure?"
Student: "Well, you just never know. I make stuff up all the time."

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Visiting teacher: "Kinders, since we've been talking about being good friends, let's all turn to the person next to us and tell him/her a compliment."
Mrs A. (turning to student): "I like your writing you did in your journal today."
Student: "Thanks! I like your purple pants."
Mrs. A: "Thanks."
Student (turns to other side... sees only a chair) completely seriously: "Chair, I like you because you're strong."

*I literally cried laughing*

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Excuse me, officer!

There are not many experiences more exciting for a kindergarten class than a police officer visiting. The only possible rivals are a firefighter (most exciting for Mrs. A!) and an athlete of any sort. 

On Tuesday, a police officer visited as part of a school event. My kinders were absolutely star-struck. I could not stop laughing at the dreamy-eyed looks the little boys were following him with. Let's be honest -- it was probably because he had a gun (which he thankfully did not bring out).

It was hilarious because the kids were so eager -- and so cute! Here are my favorite quotes and notes from the day:

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Student: "Mrs. Anderson, I know why that policeman has a gun."

Mrs. A: "Why?"

Student: "To make bad guys put their hands up!"

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Officer: "What makes my uniform extra special, boys and girls?"
Student 1: "Your badge!"
Officer: "That's right. What other jobs wear a badge?"
...silence...
Officer: "What kind of person wears a badge and might come to your house to help you if you're in danger?"
Student 2: "Oooh! A cowboy?"

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Officer: "We've talked a little bit about never going with strangers or never taking anything from strangers. But, there are a few people you can trust -- your teacher, a firefighter, a doctor... who else? What people have you known all your life and you trust?"
Student: "Jesus."

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We have been working on writing letters in our class - and we even have a dramatic play post office in our classroom! Well, I found this little *gem* today in our "outgoing" mailbox. [Kinder writing translation provided!]

Outside envelope [Policeman]

Inside letter [Thank you for coming and thank you for showing your tazer.]

Hilarious! Love these kids.

The evolution of awesome

I overheard a quite "awesome" conversation at the blocks area during indoor recess today...

Student 1: "Wow, this is getting awesome!"
Student 2: "It's already awesome!"
Student 1: "Yeah, it's getting awesomer by the minute!"

Love it.

Things that made me laugh this week

Thursday was our first day back to school -- and it was simply awesome being back with my kinder babies. :) I love my holiday break as much as every other teacher, but one of the best parts about being away from the kids is coming back.

After Christmas, I had a bit of a "holiday hangover." I don't know if anyone else gets this way, but after the holidays, I just have a hard time getting going again.

That all changed on Thursday. My class is like a breath of fresh air. They bring me back to life. They were thrilled to be back -- and to share what Santa brought them!

As always, my kinders kept me laughing this week. Here are a few highlights (in case you need cheered up)...

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Mrs. Anderson (while reading a book): "Oooh, when the rabbit saw the eagle's sharp talons, he decided to move over."
Student 1: "What are talons?"
Mrs. Anderson: "Good question. Does anyone know what talons are?"
Student 2: "I do! It's something you have... you know... like when you're in a talent show."

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Student: "Santa brought me an iPad. Well, actually, it's a Leapster, but I like to call it an iPad."

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Student (on Thursday): "Mrs. Anderson, I bet I know what you're doing tonight."
Mrs. Anderson: "Oh yeah? What's that?"
Student: "I bet you're going to watch K-State football."
Mrs. Anderson: "You're right! I am."
Student: "Yeah, I know a lot about football. Did you know they're playing Oregon?"
Mrs. Anderson: "Yes, I did."
Student: "Yeah. Did you know they have a really good quarterback?"
Mrs. Anderson: "Yes, I sure did."

[This little guy is kind of in love with me and is always "doing his homework" on K-State football to impress me!]

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Student: "Did you know that when you're a grown-up, Santa only brings you boring stuff like socks??"

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It was a great two days... looking forward to a great semester!!! I'm already dreading saying good-bye to this class in May.

All I want for Christmas...

Mrs. Anderson: "What do you want for Christmas?"

A sample of responses...

"A bodyguard."

"A butler. They can do like anything for you. You don't even have to get up!"

"A ninja."

"A brother."

"McDonalds."

Hmmm... not sure many of those will be filled. :)

Quotable Quotes

My kids seriously crack me up. I never laugh during the moment... but I always giggle later. They are so honest and so hilarious. 

A few memorable quotes from this week...

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Female student: "Whew. That was good exercise. I'm sweaty."
Male student (looking shocked): "Um, girls don't sweat."
Female student: "Yes they do."
Male student: "No, they don't. And they don't fart either."

[This little guy has only sisters - and he adores them. Too funny!]
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Student 1: "I like all our books."
Mrs. Anderson: "Thank you. I love books, too. That's what I'm asking Santa for this year -- some books."
Student 1 (looking puzzled): "You still ask Santa for things?"
Mrs. Anderson: "Of course I do!"
Student 2: "That's because she's not like a real grown-up. Y'know... she's not a big grown-up yet."
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How to cook a turkey

For your reading pleasure... a step-by-step "recipe" from my kindergarten class.

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This is how you cook a turkey… 

By: Mrs. Anderson’s Kindergarten Class 2012 

1. Get a turkey (shoot one with a bow and arrow, buy it at the store, or get one from a farm) 

 2. Get the turkey ready (pull the feathers off, take the legs off, take the arms off, take the beak off, cut it in half) 

3. Make it taste good (salt, broth, green stuff, brown sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, and pepper) 

4. Put it on a tray 

5. Put it in the oven (12 degrees for 2-91 minutes… until the oven goes BEEP!) 

6. Take it out of the oven 

7. Cut the turkey (using a sharp knife or a sword, cut in on it’s back down the middle, cut 2-14 pieces for everybody or 45 pieces if it’s really big) 

8. Squeeze the turkey (and spray it with chicken juice) 

9. Set the table (with silverware, plates, napkins, chicken nuggets, corn, the turkey, mashed potatoes, and drinks) 

10. Eat it (with a fork or your hands!) 

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The First Thanksgiving (pt. 3 of many)

A few memorable quotes from this morning...

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Mrs. A (while reading a pilgrim book): "Boys and girls, what do you think he is hunting for?"

Student 1: "Turkey?"

Student 2: "Deer?"

Student 3: "Dinosaurs?"  (after all... if was as long time ago!)

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Student 1: "Did you know Friday is Black Friday?"

Student 2: "Yeah, everybody wears black."

Student 3: "And they have an extra Thanksgiving!"

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The First Thanksgiving (pt. 2 of many)

Student 1: "Mrs. Anderson, if the Pilgrims came on the Mayflower... how did the Indians get here?"

Mrs. A: "Well, the Indians already lived here in America."

Student 1: "Yeah, but where did they come from?"

Student 2: "Did they come on a boat, too?"

Mrs. A: "No. They lived in America for a very long time before the Pilgrims came."

Student 2: "Oh, so maybe they came on a boat a long time ago."

Student 1: "Or, maybe they walked."

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[Very inquisitive... very intelligent questions! And so difficult to explain! Just the way I like our discussions to be - challenging, student-directed, and natural.]
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A unique insult

A child coming to me crying and pointing a finger at another child is a frequent occurrence. So, naturally, this is not something that surprises me. However, I have to say this was the most unique one I've heard in a while...

Student: "Mrs. Anderson! He said something really hurtful!"

Mrs. Anderson: "Well, why don't we use an 'I Feel' statement with him?"

Student: "Okay. (Turns to other student) I feel sad when you say I want to marry Lady Gaga."

Lady Gaga has officially become an insulting word in my classroom. :) Hilarious.

The First Thanksgiving (pt. 1 of many)

The discussions have just begun...

Student: "Mrs. Anderson, did you know that the Indians only ate mashed potatoes? That's it!"

I have no idea where that came from... but it made me laugh out loud.

Memorable quotes from this week

For some reason, my kinders were extremely funny this week. Must be the election -- it seemed to be making everyone nuts! :)

A few memorable quotes from this week...

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Mrs. A (on election day): "Well, boys and girls. We will not be going to the gym today for lunch because there are some grown-ups in there doing something very important. Does anyone know what they're doing?" (we were a polling site)

Student: "Working out?"
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Mrs. A: "We are going to be doing this activity in the hallway by the office. We all know the office is an important place, so we need to be quiet. What kinds of important things do they do in there?"

Student 1: "Write letters."

Student 2: "Talk."

Student 3: "Have a lot of lonely time."
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A walk with the kinders

Yesterday, our whole school went on a benefit walk for juvenile diabetes. The kids have been raising money for a couple weeks... and it all culminated with a fun walk on a great afternoon!

I, of course, basked in the beauty of enjoying my kinders. No lessons. Nothing structured. Just walking and talking. It was a beautiful thing.

We skipped.
We held hands.
We sang songs.
And, of course, they talked... and talked... and talked!

Here are a few of my favorite conversations from the walk (all from different students)...

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Student 1 (pointing at a court): "Mrs. Anderson, is that for tennis?"
Me: "Yes. That's a tennis court."
Student 1: "Is tennis hard?"
Me: "I think so! I think it's very hard to keep the ball in the court!"
Student 2:" Pssh. Not for me. I'm awesome at tennis. One time, I got 10 strikes!!!"
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Student 1: "Mrs. Anderson, what are you going to be for Halloween?"
Me: "I'm not sure yet. What do you think I should be?"
Student 1: "Maybe you could be a witch?"
Student 2: "No, you can't be a witch because you're not mean."
Student 1: "Oooh! I know! You should be a K-State fan."
Me: "Great idea."
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Student 1: "Are we going on a field trip?"
Student 2: "No, we're going on a walk!"
Student 1: "Did we have lunch yet?"
Student 2: "Yes! We go home after our walk."
Student 1: "Ah man. This is so confusing."
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I love these little minds. :)

Glasses

"Mrs. Anderson, were born with your glasses on?"