Out of the Mouths of Students

I have a few minutes before I head back into PARCC testing so I thought I would dash off a quick post of a few funny moments that happened last week.

My 5th graders have been exploring MOOD during their author study of Chris Van Allsburg.  Last week's lesson was to create a tweet as if they were the author.  They also had to create a Twitter username for Chris Van Allsburg.  They were super creative but I think my favorite had to be @chrisvanmoody. 

I am teaching first grade students about being good readers and that good readers make connections.  I asked them to give me some examples of connections at the beginning of the lesson so that I could make sure they knew what a connection was so they could apply that to reading.  A lot of answers were things I would expect: a plug and a socket, Legos and pencil in a sharpener. 

But one lovely young lady raised her hand and said, "My aunt makes connections because she is on Match.com and she goes on lots of dates because she wants a husband."

 

 

So off to test with that chuckle in my mind!  Tomorrow Kelly and I meet to work on the Common Ground presentation and I also have some Lighthouse School Librarians coming to visit.  Look for some upcoming special guest blogger posts.



Flotsam

As you enter the library, I have a door full of quotes and comics and other funny business.  This is the second year I have done this.  Originally, it was just a place for me to "lighten up" the library and appeal to some students' funny bones as they waited in line for their teacher.  But, like all good intentions, this was usually thwarted by the time crunch that comes from being locked into a 50 minute special area schedule. I call it my FLOTSAM door. (Yes, I technically know it should be jetsam because flotsam is unintentional and jetsam is on purpose but how can I start a conversation about the word and steer them to David Wiesner's book with jetsam.)

I add things as I find them and like them.  This morning I added a few more and a 5th grade student , let's call him Joe,  actually stopped on his way to the office to see what I was hanging up today.  I asked which one was his favorite (the Garfield one) and he looked at the new ones and decided he likes the "curling up a new book" the best.  I told him to have a good day and smiled at the little things that make an impact. 

Lest you think I work in a land of wonderful children who love the library and everything about it, let me share the reality check that occur just mere minutes (dare I say - seconds, afterwards) as Joe proceeded up the steps.  He passed another 5th grader, let's call him Tim, on the way to take attendance to the office. Here is the conversation that ensued:

Joe: Mrs. Bixby is putting new jokes up on the door.
Tim: So?
Joe: I just read them.
Tim: They're stupid.
Joe: See you in Math.

Ahhh, the joys and sorrows of being an elementary school librarian.   Moral of this story:

One librarian's flotsam is another person's junk!