Perhaps I'm persevorating on parent-teacher conferences, but I have one more anecdote to share involving a mother who meant well when she said, "I don't envy you..." in regards to the days I spend with middle school children.
"Oh, but you should--we're having so much fun," was my reply. "This job is definitely enviable."
And then there is the moment when I realize what kids are doing with cinnamon for entertainment. Of course, I turned to my oldest son for the story.
"What do you know about the Cinnamon Challenge?"
"It's where you eat a spoonful of cinnamon."
"You eat it?"
"No, I've never tried it, but yup, it's all over Youtube. You stuff a bunch of cinnamon in your mouth and look like fool. Every Youtube idiot has done it."
Fortunately, I don't need to troll Youtube for golden nuggets like that. I just need the Slice of Life Challenge, where I learn that this is what some of my sixth graders are doing out in front of the school for fun. So there's THAT aspect of teaching adolescents. And yes, I still think the world should envy me.
I like your response to the mother. I haven't seen any cinnamon tasters but thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteAnd this is why I love middle school. I think it's an enviable job, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI love middle schoolers too. Why cinnamon? They definitely do some strange stuff - but that is one of the things that makes them loveable!
ReplyDeleteI taught 7th graders for 22 year--now retired. I never looked for a job with them; they just always found me, and I never left. As I aged, we were kind of on the same level. I got forgetful; they were forgetful. I can be zany at times, and they are zany most of the time. I empathize with the underdog; middle schoolers are in that position for 3 years!!! I go back and visit alot. They are very friendly creature--sometimes. Enjoy.
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