Pennsylvania

While discussing the setting of The Outsider's with my class today I was reminded of the best geography quote ever. I’ll never forget the day 2 years ago when one student asked another if Pennsylvania was a real place. The student laughed at him and said, “You idiot, it’s not real, that’s where vampires come from!”

Restroom Pass

Oh middle school students, how I wish sometimes you had a filter on that mouth of yours! Student: Can I go to the bathroom? Me: Didn’t you just go 10 minutes ago? Student: I was trying for a #2 but only got a #1 and now I definitely got a #2. Me:..........................................................................................................
Student: Is that a no?
Me: Please, please just go…

Directional Knowledge

At conferences today a student asked me, "What's the state to the right of Washington?" I said, "Um, do you mean EAST of Washington?" (Blank stare, crickets chirping...) Hmm... So should I be more concerned that at 13 he is unaware of direction, or that he has lived in Washington his whole life and doesn't know what state is to the "right" of us. :-)

Compliment

So today a student tells me, "Mrs. Walker, you're the best damn teacher I've ever had." Hmm.... What to do, should I address the inappropriate language...NAH! Hey, when you teach in a middle school you gotta take any compliment you can get!!!