Fourth Grade Follies

In the past month and a half, we've fallen into a routine in 4th grade and know what to expect from one another. One thing they are super good at is helping me keep my pride in check, because any time I forget something or make a mistake, they are quick to point it out. Even though most of them were born the year I graduated high school (what?!?!) and I'm 18-19 years their senior, I sometimes wonder if we'd all be better off if they were my teachers instead of vice versa. Here are some of my favorite examples of them calling me out:

Place Value

Me: After the millions place value comes the trillions.

Student: Yeah, and after that is the billions!

Me: (pause)...ummm...actually, I just said that wrong. After the millions is the billions then the trillions.

(awkward laughter)

 Math exams!

Date Part 1

Me: Write the date at the top of your paper. It is written on the chalkboard.

Student: Ms. Christine!

Me: I hear someone calling out my name. If you want to talk to me, class, what should you do?

Class: Raise your hand!

Me: That's right. (casually looks around classroom and sees student with hand up) Oh! Yes, do you have a question?

Student: It's not a question, but you wrote that the year is 2019 instead of 2013.

Me: (awkward laugh) Hahaha, well, I guess I did! Silly me.

Apparently, we need to work on prepositions. That, and I have a comb-over.

Date Part 2

Student 1: Bahaha! 2019! How old will I be then?

Student 2: Whoa! I'll be 19!

Student 1: I think I'll be 21! Man, that's SO OLD!

Me: (sarcastically) Oh yeah, you'll practically be an old man walking with a cane....

Student 3: I'll be 15!

Me: You all will be 14 or 15 years old...and we obviously need to review some basic addition.

Science presentations. I told them to stand there and smile big when it wasn't their turn to talk. 

Total Mastery.

Multiplication

Me: Everyone ready to sing the 8's multiplication song?

Class: YEAH!

(student raises hand)

Me: Yes?

Student: Isn't this the 8's song?

Me: Yes, that's what I said.

Student: Then why did you write 8 x 1 = 6?

Me: Did I? Well, I guess I did! I think maybe YOU should be the teacher instead of me!

In my defense, I'm more of a words-girl than a numbers-girl. Except in this last scenario. This one made me feel like I should turn in my notice to free up my spot for someone more qualified!

C-H-I-H-U-A-H-U-A

Me: ...and there is a line for you to write your favorite animal...

(student raises hand)

Me: Yes?

Student: Ms. Christine, how do you spell chihuahua?

Me: Chihuahua? Hmmm...c-h-i-w-a....no, that's not right...c-h-i... You know what? Just spell it the best you can, I'll know what you mean.

How could something so delicious be a crime?!

They are each so special and unique, and I feel blessed to be a part of their lives in such a formidable time.

Would you say a special prayer that the weather would cool off enough for them to focus more in class? It's been ridiculously warm for the past while, and it seems like the result is extra squirmy students. It's hard for them to focus when they are hot and sweaty, and when they have a hard time focusing, they have a hard time learning!