needs

clara was not in my class, but the other third grade class. she was, however, in my math class. one day i was wandering in and out of the desks, checking work and helping with problems. as i passed clara i heard her mutter, "i wish you were my teacher." i smiled and asked her, "why do you say that, clara? mrs. m is a great teacher. you're very lucky to have her." clara sighed the saddest of sighs. "she is a good teacher, but you're funnier. she tells us gross hospital stories, but it's not enough. she just doesn't satisfy me."

friends

one day after school colton came to my desk with a piece of paper and a pencil. "what's your phone number?" he asked. "i'm not giving you my phone number, colton," i replied. "why not? i want to invite you to come over and play," he said, desperately. i tried to hide a laugh, but was unsuccessful. colton, seeing this was not going the way he had planned, tried one more time: "i'll bring the pizza!!"

helpful

sometimes carli likes to stay in at recess to help her teacher with little odd jobs. usually this is fine with me, but sometimes i just need a break from all of them. this day i was unwrapping a tootsie roll for my "mid-morning snack." "carli, please go outside today," i said to the girl loitering at my desk. "can't i help you with something?" she asked sweetly. "not today, i just need a break." carli saw my tootsie roll. "do you need help with THAT?" she asked, grinning. "i think i can manage this on my own, i'm pretty good at it, thanks." and i popped it in my mouth. ever so helpful carli replied, "oh yeah, well I'M an expert."

enunciation

the day had just begun with our daily recitation of the pledge of allegiance when inquisitive heather raised her hand and asked, "what's a widgit?" "a what?" was my reply. "WIDGIT!" she repeated, slightly annoyed. "there's no such thing. it's not a word," i told her. "of course it's a word! ...and to the republic for WIDGIT stands!!"