Oh The Things Kids Say..

As a third year teacher, second year full-time third grade teacher, and second year TAP school teacher, I have had many observations; however I am still not fond of these observations...Getting better, but still not a highlight of my school year, by any means.... Still not something I tend to do a happy dance about. While I realize that they are beneficial, and I am always thankful for them after they are over, and after receiving feedback, they are never completely pleasant while they are taking place. If you are a teacher, or especially if you are a TAP teacher, I am sure you can relate.....

Anyway, these TAP observations happen four times a year. Two are announced. Two are unannounced. Today marked my first unannounced observation, and while I thought the lesson overall was a good, engaging lesson, I have to blog about the things a couple of my kids said during the lesson, because I am sure I will look back and laugh....someday, and when that day comes, I want to remember them... That will be a day when observations no longer make me so nervous.

Anyone who knows me, knows I tend to get a little on the blotchy/red side when I get nervous. It becomes a nice covering over my chest and neck. There is no hiding it, except with a turtleneck, which I happened to not be wearing today. As I am teaching, one of my oh-so-favorite students said, "Mrs. Bowman, why is your neck getting so red?!" This is a comment that I chose to ignore, hoping that the topic would be dropped. A few minutes later, another student, said, "Mrs. Bowman, I'd like to make a connection to the hippopotamus in the story." I quieted the class, and told them all that this child was making a connection and we all needed to listen. (In fact I was feeling quite proud that my students are so good at making connections. :) When everyone was quiet, this student said, "My connection is that the pink sunscreen all over the hippopotamus is kind of like Mrs. Bowman's neck." Yep, he said it. I sarcastically told him that I was so glad that we took the time to listen to such a wonderful connection.

Oh, the things kids say!