Tacky and the Hairy Butt

This week during my core extension group, my colleague and I did a read aloud of Three Cheers for Tacky by Helen Lester.  The book is hilarious, and the kids really loved it.  I mean, who doesn't love a penguin who wears a Hawaiian shirt and doesn't fit in? 

They are learning about character traits, so after the reading, the students had to make a character card of Tacky.  They cut out a penguin, illustrated it to look like Tacky, and then on the back, they had to list Tacky's traits (i.e. different, loud, silly, odd, etc.).

On the second day of the activity, as the students were leaving and turning in their penguins, I noticed that one was on the floor.  I picked it up to look for a name and I saw this on the back:

I didn't think to take a picture of the actual penguin, so this is my recreation...

And in case you are wondering, yes, that is a hairy butt with a smile.  Labeled. But of course, no name.

At first I was irritated, because obviously someone wasn't following directions, but then I had to stifle a laugh.

Me: Who doesn't have their penguin?  I have a no name penguin!

Helpful Boy: Oh I think there was a name on the back, let me see!

Me: NOPE! No name.  It's fine, I'll find the owner.

Helpful boy:  No really, I think I saw a name, just let me check.

Me: Thanks, but I got it!

At this point no one else had seen it but me, so I didn't want to show it to any other kids, because...well...it's a penguin butt.  

So the kids are leaving, and on the way out, they were supposed to hand their penguins to my colleague, so we would soon know.  But then...

Anatomy Expert: Ms. S...it's mine.

I turn around and see one of my sweet little girls with her head down.  

Me: (trying not laugh) WHAT!? Was this what we were supposed to be doing? 

She shook her head no.  And at that point, my colleague walked in.  

Me: Well, I guess we have to talk to your teacher about this.  You start walking, I'll meet you there.  

After she left and cleared the doorway, I burst out laughing!  OMG.  I have to give the kid points for creativity.  

Eventually I went down to the teacher and showed it to her.  At one point she asked the little girl, "Were you supposed to be labeling the penguin parts?" I nearly lost it...    

We did have to come up with a consequence for not getting the work done.  But , we both had to laugh about it in the end (in fact, I'm still laughing!).  

The silver-lining? In the words of her teacher, "Well, at least she spelled 'butt' right." 

    

The Tributes from District 137

I love having my students work in groups, especially at the beginning of the year, because it's a good indicator of how well they can work together.  

So my fifth graders this week were working on a poetry rhythm improv activity, and it was time to share.  The first three (out of five) groups all went with no problems or debate, but the last two groups (red and blue) were having a "No, let them go" show down.  

Now all of my students know that if nobody volunteers, then I draw sticks.  So, I pick up my cup with the seat sticks, and I pull out a RED stick.  Naturally, I got looks of horror from the red group.  And then, this happened...

Blue group member: (frantically waving her hand) I VOLUNTEER!

Me: (nerd moment) You volunteer as tribute?  

Of course everyone laughs, and I thought we would just move on from there.  But it got so much better.  I turned around to pick up my notepad, and when I turned back I see three kids with the three finger salute to the blue group.  

And yes...they whistled too.

This is going to be a GREAT year :)

The Back to School Workout Plan

Like most teachers, I spent the weeks prior to school starting getting my room prepped, lessons prepped, going to professional development, and I felt really ready for the first day.  The first day went really well.  In fact, the whole week went pretty well...during the school day.    

But here is what I realized; going back to school is like going back to the gym after taking a few months off...you have to get back into shape! I left school every day exhausted, and some nights, I have other obligations, so it's not like I could go home and crash.  

So I've decided that next year, I'm going on a Back to school workout plan.  And here's what it will look like...

My Back to School Workout Plan

1. Vocal exercises: Practice giving directions.  Now repeat them three times, without changing your tone.  Repeat them three more times.  Bonus points if you can do this without raising your voice, making a face, or getting a sip of water.  

2. Teacher "smize" Look in the mirror.  Practice making expressions for various classroom situations that you would normally lose your head over.  Examples: 

- The "Stop that right now" wide eyed glare

- The "Don't you even think about it" glance

- The "I dare you to say one more thing" stare

- The "Are you serious?" scowl  

3.  Bladder control exercise Drink a large glass of water (or coffee) and see how long you can hold out before going to the bathroom.  

4. Multi-tasking Call a friend.  While talking to that friend, turn on the TV.  Now open a book and attempt to read, while talking, and being aware of whatever is on the TV.  

5.  Motor skill improvement Untie your shoe laces.  Tie them as quickly as you can.  Repeat for finger dexterity and speed.  For extra challenge, line up several pairs of shoes and go down the line tying them as quickly as you can.  

6. Speed eating Time all your meals to roughly 15 minutes.  

7. Ignoring Make a list of ridiculous questions/comments.  Have a friend/S.O say them to you at random times, and try continuing what you were doing without laughing, or getting annoyed or impatient.  Some examples:

• How old are you?

• Are you married?

• Why don't you have kids yet?

• You look just like my ________________

• But what if... [insert ridiculous hypothetical situation]

• Why are you wearing that? 

The way I see it, if I start doing all of these things in late July/early August, I'll be in prime shape for September!  

Happy Back to School!