Testosterone Thursday

I teach elementary school. I don't expect to spend a lot of time with men during my workday. I don't see that as good or bad, just an observation of the realities.

Today, however, I found just the opposite to be true. By the end of the day I realized four different male teachers had been in my classroom working with students.

1. A university student who is observing one particular child for a case study as he works towards his teaching license.
2. A science graduate student who works with our school through an NSF fellowship.
3. A central office resource teacher.
4. Our technology specialist.

And the intern who has been working with us all semester was subbing in kindergarten today - his presence would have raised us to five. Astounding.

If you are interested in the perspectives of men in elementary school, check out this fun blog.

Quotes from 5th Graders

These are from a young man who always makes me smile:

• I'm trying to find a loophole in this project.
• You really like to inflict pain on children, don't you?
• It was highly amusing to watch you both try that. (In response to 2 teachers bowling.)
• You mean it's not an invitation, it's an obligation. (I'll be using this one in the future.)

During an explanation from the science graduate student who works with our class:
Student: "You use lots of big words."
Science grad student: "What do you want me to explain more?"
Student: "I don't know, you lost me at hello."

Up for a vacation?

Quotes from tourist advertisements for volcanoes:

Attractions:

• lava lamps
• free marshmallows
• hot dog roasting
• stadium for lava monster wrestling
• 5 eruptions every 24 hours
  
• we also have a church for funerals

Warnings:

• no souvenirs cause that's just wasting money before you die
• please say goodbye to loved ones before coming
• will be the last sight you'll ever see
• might want to write your will before coming

Lights! Lava! Explosions! Rocks and minerals forming everywhere! But, don't make it angry or else! You have to run for your lives!!!