Happy Birthday Martin!

Well as most of you know Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday is coming up.  I had a really cute song that I learned when I taught in Tallahassee and I wanted to teach them.  The song talks about Martin Luther King  Jr and some of the things he has done (ex: Martin Luther King was a teacher and a preacher) plus it's really fun to sing.  Before I taught it to them we read a book about all the wonderful things he had done.  The kids thought it was so neat.  It was really cute to see how into it they were.  The book showed pictures of kids drinking water with a "white only" sign and schools back then.  They think that Martin Luther King is the coolest!  Well I told them that on Monday we would be celebrating his birthday and that's why we don't come to school.  One of my kids asked if he was coming to our class.  I told them no, that he isn't alive anymore.  One of my little ones raises his hand and says, "Yeah....either is Michael Jackson." (Again...another reason I love my job!).  So on Monday when you are celebrating Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, I hope you take a little bit of time and also remember the King of Pop, who has said time and time again, "If You're Thinkin' Of Being My Baby
It Don't Matter If You're Black Or White." (Michael Jackson)

P is for Po Po

I read a book this week that reminded me of one of my precious ones from kindergarten a couple years ago.  I didn't blog then so I will share it with you now.  This book is about a snowman deciding what he wants to be when he grows up.  The book shows a picture of an apple, chalkboard, and a pencil.  They then have to predict what the snowman will be.  "A teacher" they shout.  Well this snowman has many jobs and the kids LOVE guessing what they will be.  It is such a fun story and I make sure I read it every year.  We get to my favorite part.  The book shows a badge, a stop sign, and one more thing (I think handcuffs maybe).  Anyways, they all start shouting.  "Cop...Cop.  He's going to be a Cop" they say.   The book actually calls it a police officer, so I ask them if they can think of another word for cop.  One of my sweetest little girls raises her hand.  She was being such a good listener and sitting so nicely so naturally I'm going to call on her.  She responds as serious as can be..... "Po Po".  hahahhahahhahahahahha......What does one say after that.....and this is why I teach kindergarten!

B.....U......T

Every Friday we have an assessment.  I pull each student one at a time to my table and ask them certain things like what sound does this letter make, how many syllable are in this word, etc.  On the bottom of the assessment there is always a few words for them to try and read.  Today the word was but.  To you and me this word is no big deal.  But to a kindergartner.....HILARIOUS!!  I loved watching each of them as they sounded each letter out.  Some of them (you know the sweet and innocent ones of the group), started reading it out loud in a normal voice.  Once they figured out the word, they would look around to make sure no one was watching and as soft as they could, tell me the word.  Others just started dying laughing and I mean the kind of laughing where they just couldn't stop.  I guess this might be one of those stories that isn't really funny unless you are there, but it sure made my day.  Don't worry....I did explain to them the correct meaning....what kind of teacher do you think I am??  I hope this makes you smile, because it sure made for a good laugh for us!