Small Scraps

It amuses me to imagine that the students who are always asking to clean-up are the ones with the messiest rooms at home. I picture their moms being shocked to find out that they like to wash brushes and trays and wipe down the tables and floors.

***

An encounter with a 6th grade girl...

Ms. ATHG, have you ever killed anyone?

No. I have not.

Oh, that's a good choice.

Thanks.

***

OH in the 6th Grade Hallway...

Student #1: I need art today.

Student #2: I need art today too.

(It should be noted that we're in the midst of SOL testing right now. For those of you who don't know, SOL stands for Standards of Learning, NOT the other SOL, although I'm sure that version may apply in certain circumstances.)

***

Four more weeks of school. 'Nuff said.

***

Ahhh... Spring.

Ahhh... Spring...

When the flowers bloom, the trees bud, and the rain washes the winter blues away.
When the birds chirp, the squirrels scurry, and the bunnies frolic on the dew kissed, early morning lawns.

Ahhh... Spring...

When the kids awake from their winter doldrums, excited for the warm, sunny days ahead.
When the excitement of a new season evokes a smile and a giggle from even the most forlorn pre-teen.

Ahhh... Spring...

When the joys and satisfaction of a good, thorough spring cleaning are felt far and wide.
When, prompted by the inspirational renewal of nature, supply bins are restocked and fresh paper is laid out.

Ahhh... Spring...

When heads are brimming with the prospect of new beginnings and fresh ideas.
When expectations couldn't be any higher, pride couldn't be felt any stronger, and trust couldn't run any deeper.

Ahhh... Spring...

When the pollen flies freely, like little bomber planes vying for the first attack on your unsuspecting mucus membranes.
When the rambunctious music of the local wildlife drills into your eardrums like a marching band in the wee hours of the morning.

Ahhh... Spring...

When the kids won't sit still and are bouncing off of the mother loving walls because OHMYGOD it's raining again and they can't go outside for recess. Again.
When the newly awakened hormones of even the loneliest tweens have them chattering and twittering ALL CLASS LONG and OHMYGODWHYWON'TTHEYSTOPTALKING?

Ahhh... Spring...

When tables start traveling across the classroom floor all by themselves and OHMYGOD who tracked red paint across the room? I JUST CLEANED IT.
When pencils and erasers go walking, never to return, and what do you mean the new glue sticks are all dried out, I JUST PUT THEM OUT LAST WEEK.

Ahhh... Spring...

When the lesson plans are tossed out the sunshine filled window, Mother's Day cards are made, the free draw paper supply becomes unlimited, and OHMYGOD didn't you just go on a field trip?
When half finished projects are acceptable, "I can'ts" and "I don't wannas" are oft spoken, and OHMYGOD, I can't believe I made it through that day and THANKGOD no one got hurt.

Ahhh.. Spring...

When everyone starts counting down to summer vacation.

"What's a rubber?"

"What's a rubber?" the innocent (or so I thought) first grade girl inquired.

"What?" I asked back, while my inner panic alarms began to sound.

"A rubber. What's a rubber? Aaron* wants one."

My keen teacher hearing is now on full alert as I scan the art room, trying to locate Aaron. Ah, there he is...

Aaron is repeatedly questioning his classmates,"Does anyone have a rubber? I need a rubber."

I relax, look back at the girl, and reply, "it's an eraser. He's looking for an eraser. That's what they call them in Australia."

"Oh!"

I can see it now. This poor little girl is going to be sitting at her dinner table, and her parents are going to ask what she learned in school today. Of course, she's excitedly going to tell them that she learned about rubbers in art class. I swear, these first graders will be the death of me this year.

*Names have been changed to protect the innocent Australian kid who doesn't know any better.