Monday, December 21, 2009
6th Grade Revisited
6th Grade Revisited is off for the holidays! Everyone have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year!!!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - The Sucker Punch!!
I had no idea when I began writing 6th grade revisited that my son would soon face his very own 6th grade bully. It happened this week during recess. Ah, recess where kids should have fun, run wild with reckless abandon. It should never be a combat zone. However on this day it was, just like it was for me so many times when I was in 6th grade. Except my son did something that I never did: he spoke up.
You know, I am not quite sure I want to call this person who sucker punched my son a bully – defined by Webster as someone who torments, intimidates or frightens. My son was not scared. This kid was being extremely aggressive on the playground with others knocking and pushing them around. When suddenly my son stepped in the child’s path and said, “Hey look we are not afraid of you.” That is when his face met the attacker’s fist. He and a group of kids immediately took this situation to a teacher, who swiftly escalated it to the principal. The call to our house from the principal was complimentary towards my son. He made it abundantly clear my son was not in any trouble, plus he was impressed by his calm demeanor finding his story credible. After interviewing several other witnesses including the playground punk, the principal made a suspension. I have a pleased little boy walking around the house feeling like a hero, hoping he will have a black eye before the weekend. He believes girls are more receptive to a battered and bruised hero than one who appears unscathed.
In 1982, tattle-telling was taboo, with no inclination there would be repercussions should you go to a teacher. I applaud my son’s school system, empowering young children to speak out. Not only do they encourage open communication, but they also make it very clear there is zero-tolerance for violent behavior in school.
It was an exciting day for my little 6th grader, an upsetting day for grandma (she wants to hunt the little brat down.) Hubby was proud and as for me…I could not help but marvel at the irony…his first adversarial peer in the 6th grade. Begs the question, will there be a 6th Grade Revisited Part Deux??...STAY TUNED!
You know, I am not quite sure I want to call this person who sucker punched my son a bully – defined by Webster as someone who torments, intimidates or frightens. My son was not scared. This kid was being extremely aggressive on the playground with others knocking and pushing them around. When suddenly my son stepped in the child’s path and said, “Hey look we are not afraid of you.” That is when his face met the attacker’s fist. He and a group of kids immediately took this situation to a teacher, who swiftly escalated it to the principal. The call to our house from the principal was complimentary towards my son. He made it abundantly clear my son was not in any trouble, plus he was impressed by his calm demeanor finding his story credible. After interviewing several other witnesses including the playground punk, the principal made a suspension. I have a pleased little boy walking around the house feeling like a hero, hoping he will have a black eye before the weekend. He believes girls are more receptive to a battered and bruised hero than one who appears unscathed.
In 1982, tattle-telling was taboo, with no inclination there would be repercussions should you go to a teacher. I applaud my son’s school system, empowering young children to speak out. Not only do they encourage open communication, but they also make it very clear there is zero-tolerance for violent behavior in school.
It was an exciting day for my little 6th grader, an upsetting day for grandma (she wants to hunt the little brat down.) Hubby was proud and as for me…I could not help but marvel at the irony…his first adversarial peer in the 6th grade. Begs the question, will there be a 6th Grade Revisited Part Deux??...STAY TUNED!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
6th Grade Revisited -Pardon my turkey!
Our latest homework assignment - write a letter to President Obama worthy enough to pardon a Thanksgiving turkey. Our letters:
SON’S
Dear President Obama,
I am the President/CEO of the Obama fan club which has four million members in the U.S. and we all voted for you, now if you eat me you will lose 4 million voters. Our fan club was also thinking about opening new businesses such as Wal-O’Bama, Bed Bath and Obama, Obama’s ‘R’Us and Obama Wild Wings. We will halt these plans if you do not pardon me. Losing all this will guarantee no second term. I know you are busy, so I will let you go…but first I want to add that I also have a disease called T1K1 so eating me could start a pandemic.
MINE
Dear President Obama,
Please pardon this turkey Mr. Giblet McCluckin (Gib for short) because he was unjustly accused! I have been an avid supporter visiting him for many years, while he was on death crow. He asked me to look into his case, so without a reservation, I began sinking my teeth in. After pouring over the facts in his case, it was apparent there was no forensic evidence linking him to the crime of which he is accused. No bird DNA, no eagle-eye witnesses, and no three-toed footprints found anywhere at the crime scene. The lack of evidence could have knocked me over with a feather. I firmly believe Gib was framed by Hampton Von Glutton III. I know, I know pigs get blamed for pretty much everything, but I do believe Hampton is the guilty party. Mr. Obama, you must pardon my turkey because he was not involved in any fowl play!
P.S. I am not asking you to give up protein cold turkey, just eat pork instead!
Neither of us talked to the other about what we were going to write…hmmm I wonder if a certain flu virus was on both our minds..ahh the wonderful media....STAY TUNED!
SON’S
Dear President Obama,
I am the President/CEO of the Obama fan club which has four million members in the U.S. and we all voted for you, now if you eat me you will lose 4 million voters. Our fan club was also thinking about opening new businesses such as Wal-O’Bama, Bed Bath and Obama, Obama’s ‘R’Us and Obama Wild Wings. We will halt these plans if you do not pardon me. Losing all this will guarantee no second term. I know you are busy, so I will let you go…but first I want to add that I also have a disease called T1K1 so eating me could start a pandemic.
MINE
Dear President Obama,
Please pardon this turkey Mr. Giblet McCluckin (Gib for short) because he was unjustly accused! I have been an avid supporter visiting him for many years, while he was on death crow. He asked me to look into his case, so without a reservation, I began sinking my teeth in. After pouring over the facts in his case, it was apparent there was no forensic evidence linking him to the crime of which he is accused. No bird DNA, no eagle-eye witnesses, and no three-toed footprints found anywhere at the crime scene. The lack of evidence could have knocked me over with a feather. I firmly believe Gib was framed by Hampton Von Glutton III. I know, I know pigs get blamed for pretty much everything, but I do believe Hampton is the guilty party. Mr. Obama, you must pardon my turkey because he was not involved in any fowl play!
P.S. I am not asking you to give up protein cold turkey, just eat pork instead!
Neither of us talked to the other about what we were going to write…hmmm I wonder if a certain flu virus was on both our minds..ahh the wonderful media....STAY TUNED!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - Diary of a Wimpy Mom
My son told me I could not be a true 6th grader until I read at least one of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. After reading, I have to admit it is my new favorite book now! My son was shocked; he could not believe I loved it so much. He thought I would not be able to relate. In his mind only kids go through mishaps and adventures. According to him, grown-ups lead boring lives, just pushing paper all day at work. Recently, I started a new job so to prove him wrong; letting him know that I also lead an exciting, adventurous life at work, I decided to keep a diary this week… I’ll call it Diary of a Wimpy Mom:
Monday
Last week I sent out an email to everyone in the office informing that the doors on the wooden cabinet in the break room are fragile. (Previously I had leaned up against it, in order to get something, and slightly fractured the door). The cabinet was still operational, however, if someone leaned on it again it would not be. Guess what I did this morning even after I warned everyone…
Tuesday
We’ve had a temp helping us out the past few weeks. I think I am the only one who notices that she spend 30 minutes in the bathroom at a time (I clocked it). Hmmmm…I wonder what she is doing in there?
Wednesday
For some reason my husband is obsessed with Bounce fabric sheets. Seriously! Dude will place 4 or 5 sheets in a single load of laundry. Consequently, I am constantly picking them off my clothes in the morning, and sometimes I miss one… Usually it’s the one that is stuck in a place not easily accessible!
Thursday
On Thursday’s, I have to return the space heater that I borrow from the CFO. Thursday is the only day she is in the office, so today I freeze! Therefore, I have now dubbed Thursdays as “Snuggie Day”. I am wearing a Snuggie, and I do not care what people say!
Friday
The holidays are coming up, so I asked my boss if they have pitch-ins here at the office. She said “No.” EUREKA…I just found my Shangri-la! I hate pitch-ins! My former jobs always had them, and they stress me out!
My son did the illustrations...THANK GOD!!! You would not want to see my drawings.
STAY TUNED in 2 weeks after Thanksgiving break! Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Monday
Last week I sent out an email to everyone in the office informing that the doors on the wooden cabinet in the break room are fragile. (Previously I had leaned up against it, in order to get something, and slightly fractured the door). The cabinet was still operational, however, if someone leaned on it again it would not be. Guess what I did this morning even after I warned everyone…
Tuesday
We’ve had a temp helping us out the past few weeks. I think I am the only one who notices that she spend 30 minutes in the bathroom at a time (I clocked it). Hmmmm…I wonder what she is doing in there?
Wednesday
For some reason my husband is obsessed with Bounce fabric sheets. Seriously! Dude will place 4 or 5 sheets in a single load of laundry. Consequently, I am constantly picking them off my clothes in the morning, and sometimes I miss one… Usually it’s the one that is stuck in a place not easily accessible!
Thursday
On Thursday’s, I have to return the space heater that I borrow from the CFO. Thursday is the only day she is in the office, so today I freeze! Therefore, I have now dubbed Thursdays as “Snuggie Day”. I am wearing a Snuggie, and I do not care what people say!
Friday
The holidays are coming up, so I asked my boss if they have pitch-ins here at the office. She said “No.” EUREKA…I just found my Shangri-la! I hate pitch-ins! My former jobs always had them, and they stress me out!
My son did the illustrations...THANK GOD!!! You would not want to see my drawings.
STAY TUNED in 2 weeks after Thanksgiving break! Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - The Bus
My son and I were doing our homework, when he casually mentioned an innocent occurrence that took place on his bus. I was unresponsive and frozen to his conversation, he tried to snap me out of it, “Mom, mom” he kept saying. “Is there something wrong?"
The buh, the buh, the bus…UGH! How could I forget about the BUS! I do not know which was worse the bus or the bullies. I think the bus may have had a slight edge. After all, it was this evil machine that took me to my 6th grade temple of doom!
The bus is the ultimate monster truck. Why are they yellow anyway? They should be red with painted flames on the side. Is society more accepting of this vile vehicle because of this palatable color? Since it is yellow, should we overlook the fact that it has no seat belts, and when the bus driver runs over a pot hole the kids fly in the air like popcorn? The poor kids suffer in the summer months without air-conditioning. In the winter, the heat is so inept except it only seems to spew properly on the bus driver?
Reminiscing with my son, I said, “Remember how you wanted to ride the bus so bad, when you were in kindergarten? I guarantee that by the time you get to high school, you will be so excited about no longer having to ride that thing... Oh how I hated the bus, I still have recurring nightmares about it.”
Sometimes my hyperbolic nature gets me into trouble, this was my son’s response:
“That is the way I feel too mom, I don’t want to ride the bus anymore. I don’t want to have nightmares. You seriously should take me to and from school from now on, it is for my own good.”
“Uhhhh that’s OK hon, you’ll be alright on the bus”…Stay Tuned
The buh, the buh, the bus…UGH! How could I forget about the BUS! I do not know which was worse the bus or the bullies. I think the bus may have had a slight edge. After all, it was this evil machine that took me to my 6th grade temple of doom!
The bus is the ultimate monster truck. Why are they yellow anyway? They should be red with painted flames on the side. Is society more accepting of this vile vehicle because of this palatable color? Since it is yellow, should we overlook the fact that it has no seat belts, and when the bus driver runs over a pot hole the kids fly in the air like popcorn? The poor kids suffer in the summer months without air-conditioning. In the winter, the heat is so inept except it only seems to spew properly on the bus driver?
Reminiscing with my son, I said, “Remember how you wanted to ride the bus so bad, when you were in kindergarten? I guarantee that by the time you get to high school, you will be so excited about no longer having to ride that thing... Oh how I hated the bus, I still have recurring nightmares about it.”
Sometimes my hyperbolic nature gets me into trouble, this was my son’s response:
“That is the way I feel too mom, I don’t want to ride the bus anymore. I don’t want to have nightmares. You seriously should take me to and from school from now on, it is for my own good.”
“Uhhhh that’s OK hon, you’ll be alright on the bus”…Stay Tuned
Sunday, November 8, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - Sick Day
I remember some mornings during my 6th grade year were agonizing. I tried to figure out clever ways to skip school, especially if I was severely threatened the day before by the irrational bullies who tormented me. Had a lot of tricks up my sleeve to stay home, most often, I would try the old thermometer on the light bulb trick. When I should have undoubtedly been deceased one morning my mom caught on and shoved my butt out the door.
Present day… My 6th grade son woke up one morning, shuffled into our room complaining of a stuffy nose. He travels over to my husband -the softy-to tell him he is sick. He knew not to go to me. If an appendage is not falling off, I send him to school! This was their actual conversation:
Son: Dad, I don’t feel well.
Dad: Do you think you should stay home?
Son: I am not sure, what do you think?
Dad: On a scale from 1-10 how do you feel?
Son: Oh, about a 6
My husband let him stay home. WHAT?! I am on the way to work seething, as if my son and I are really peers and he just out-performed me. I am mumbling to my self in the car saying “What was that… ‘Do you think I should stay home?’ Was this some kind of reverse psychology??…the only reason why the thermometer got so high that one time…well…my mom came in the room too quickly, plus those 100 watt bulbs…WAIT A MINUTE…what am I saying"? He was actually sick; he was not trying to stay home because of bullies. As dramatic as my son is, if he were trying to say home due to fear, he would have told my husband that the Grim Reaper was standing over his bed! My son is not afraid to go to school. YEA!! As a parent you never want your child to experience the hardships you had to endure. This made me happy, I am happy that my son really is sick, sounds crazy but I would have taken a stuffy nose over bullies any day…STAY TUNED!
Present day… My 6th grade son woke up one morning, shuffled into our room complaining of a stuffy nose. He travels over to my husband -the softy-to tell him he is sick. He knew not to go to me. If an appendage is not falling off, I send him to school! This was their actual conversation:
Son: Dad, I don’t feel well.
Dad: Do you think you should stay home?
Son: I am not sure, what do you think?
Dad: On a scale from 1-10 how do you feel?
Son: Oh, about a 6
My husband let him stay home. WHAT?! I am on the way to work seething, as if my son and I are really peers and he just out-performed me. I am mumbling to my self in the car saying “What was that… ‘Do you think I should stay home?’ Was this some kind of reverse psychology??…the only reason why the thermometer got so high that one time…well…my mom came in the room too quickly, plus those 100 watt bulbs…WAIT A MINUTE…what am I saying"? He was actually sick; he was not trying to stay home because of bullies. As dramatic as my son is, if he were trying to say home due to fear, he would have told my husband that the Grim Reaper was standing over his bed! My son is not afraid to go to school. YEA!! As a parent you never want your child to experience the hardships you had to endure. This made me happy, I am happy that my son really is sick, sounds crazy but I would have taken a stuffy nose over bullies any day…STAY TUNED!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - First Semester Ends/Parent-Teacher Conference
Yea!! The moment I have been waiting for…Parent-Teacher conference! I think it will be fun attending as a former 6th grade student, turned parent, turned 6th grader again. I bet this teacher has no idea I am one of her students...um, well, kind of. I feel like I am in one of those Little Rascal’s episodes where Buckwheat puts on a long overcoat, gets on Spanky’s shoulders and they begin to infiltrate adult venues. I just hope I don’t transform right before teach’s eyes into a pouty 6th grader with a chip on my shoulder, viewing this woman across from me as the assignment-giving enemy that she is. I'll have to compose myself, but what if she says things like:
"I would like your son to be more organized”, to which I might spout, “Hey at least we turn everything in on time.” Or this one..." Try to keep your child healthy by having him eat a good breakfast and get enough sleep.” "Here’s a tip; try not sitting us on top of each other. We can eat from the food pyramid and get 12 hours of shut eye, douse our bodies in Purell, but when we have people coughing and sneezing right in our face, the inevitable is going to happen. And another thing, In one breath, you tell us attendance is the most important thing, yet you say don’t come to work…uuhhhh I mean school with a fever.” Hmmmm, I am beginning to understand why my son sometimes questions authority.
Anyway, we made it, through the first semester Yippee!!! As promised, I am posting our first semester grades and a social studies assignment I mentioned before in a previous blog. I will post on Monday and…Stay Tuned
"I would like your son to be more organized”, to which I might spout, “Hey at least we turn everything in on time.” Or this one..." Try to keep your child healthy by having him eat a good breakfast and get enough sleep.” "Here’s a tip; try not sitting us on top of each other. We can eat from the food pyramid and get 12 hours of shut eye, douse our bodies in Purell, but when we have people coughing and sneezing right in our face, the inevitable is going to happen. And another thing, In one breath, you tell us attendance is the most important thing, yet you say don’t come to work…uuhhhh I mean school with a fever.” Hmmmm, I am beginning to understand why my son sometimes questions authority.
Anyway, we made it, through the first semester Yippee!!! As promised, I am posting our first semester grades and a social studies assignment I mentioned before in a previous blog. I will post on Monday and…Stay Tuned
Sunday, October 25, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - Mental Math
By now you’re probably aware of my math ineptitude. Recently I heard a radio personality say, “If math is the Harlem Globetrotters, then I am the Washington Generals constantly getting confetti dumped on my head!” When it comes to math, I am riddled with confetti, but I think I’ve discovered the problem… There is a diagnosis for people who switch words around while reading - it’s called dyslexia. Likewise, I have discovered a diagnosis for those who struggle with math; it’s called, Developmental Arithmetic Disorder -D.A.D. for short. Ironically, I believe my own dear old D A D unknowingly compounded my problem by rapping me with a ruler for goofing off during one of our homework sessions!
Wow, little did I know that by revisiting 6th grade, I would uncover my deep dark issues about math, as well as a (non-professional) diagnosis to boot!
My son, (who believes the nice, sweet, man who spoils him - called Grandpa, could never have been so stern), reluctantly showed some sympathy by giving me tips on how to survive 6th grade math... He told me that now-a-days, the only way to survive - is by using a simple mnemonic phrase. For example, in order to remember how to solve certain mathematical equations, you would use the phrase; Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally, which stands for:
Please/Excuse – Parenthesis and Exponents
My Dear – Multiplication and Division
Aunt Sally- Addition and Subtraction
He said that if the math equations are not solved in a certain order (shown above), the answer will undoubtedly be incorrect.
I explained to my son, “I know you mean well, sweetheart, but this is not going to work.” (I have unsuccessfully tried these types of phrases while going to the grocery store.) For example, Ted Is A Man, equaling = Toothpaste, Ice, Apples and Meat. Unfortunately, when I get to the store, I always forget the phrase…even after I say it over, and over, on my drive there. Once I get to the store, something seems to happen to my brain - I think the handles on the carts must send some kind of electrical charge, scrambling my memory. Because it never fails, I’ll be standing in Marsh with a blank stare thinking “Now who is the man?” or “Ted is what…now?” As soon as I get my hands off the electro-charged cart, put the groceries in my car (sans something), drive home, and get in the house, it hits me- “Ted Is A Man, - Shoot I forgot the meat, which is the main ingredient for dinner!”
It is at that moment I realized why teenagers think parents are stupid and clueless. I am sure my son will feel the same way during his teenage years and my grocery store story did not help my cause. If there are any children reading this blog, parents aren’t stupid, just impaired a little, you will get there one day…promise!
Anyway, where was I…oh yeah math? Since I have come to the realization that I am a D.A.D. sufferer, I think I will start a support group, with my fellow 6th graders because there must be others afflicted. I asked my son if he would pass out flyers in the lunch room about my support group I got no response, just another glare (this time icy) as he walked out of the room.
Oh well, I will suffer alone, like I already had been. I will be strong, and trudge through math this year the best way I can, my way- Counting my fingers and toes…minus the mnemonic phrases…Stay Tuned
Wow, little did I know that by revisiting 6th grade, I would uncover my deep dark issues about math, as well as a (non-professional) diagnosis to boot!
My son, (who believes the nice, sweet, man who spoils him - called Grandpa, could never have been so stern), reluctantly showed some sympathy by giving me tips on how to survive 6th grade math... He told me that now-a-days, the only way to survive - is by using a simple mnemonic phrase. For example, in order to remember how to solve certain mathematical equations, you would use the phrase; Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally, which stands for:
Please/Excuse – Parenthesis and Exponents
My Dear – Multiplication and Division
Aunt Sally- Addition and Subtraction
He said that if the math equations are not solved in a certain order (shown above), the answer will undoubtedly be incorrect.
I explained to my son, “I know you mean well, sweetheart, but this is not going to work.” (I have unsuccessfully tried these types of phrases while going to the grocery store.) For example, Ted Is A Man, equaling = Toothpaste, Ice, Apples and Meat. Unfortunately, when I get to the store, I always forget the phrase…even after I say it over, and over, on my drive there. Once I get to the store, something seems to happen to my brain - I think the handles on the carts must send some kind of electrical charge, scrambling my memory. Because it never fails, I’ll be standing in Marsh with a blank stare thinking “Now who is the man?” or “Ted is what…now?” As soon as I get my hands off the electro-charged cart, put the groceries in my car (sans something), drive home, and get in the house, it hits me- “Ted Is A Man, - Shoot I forgot the meat, which is the main ingredient for dinner!”
It is at that moment I realized why teenagers think parents are stupid and clueless. I am sure my son will feel the same way during his teenage years and my grocery store story did not help my cause. If there are any children reading this blog, parents aren’t stupid, just impaired a little, you will get there one day…promise!
Anyway, where was I…oh yeah math? Since I have come to the realization that I am a D.A.D. sufferer, I think I will start a support group, with my fellow 6th graders because there must be others afflicted. I asked my son if he would pass out flyers in the lunch room about my support group I got no response, just another glare (this time icy) as he walked out of the room.
Oh well, I will suffer alone, like I already had been. I will be strong, and trudge through math this year the best way I can, my way- Counting my fingers and toes…minus the mnemonic phrases…Stay Tuned
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - What a Ride!!
Wow, the last month has been crazy for us 6th graders. A new love interest has emerged and we did not see it coming. We are not living up to our potential in Math and our popularity rating keeps going up and down. What a roller coaster ride!
My son was begging me this week to let him quit school, so he would not have to face his new, not-so-subtle gal pal who is crushing on him. She is very vocal and very embarrassing....some might say down right overbearing. It took all I had not to giggle uncontrollably at his predicament, but, I realized this is as serious to him as my bullies were to me. So I took off my fellow-6thgrade-classmate face and put on my Mommy face and told him, “I understand your despair, therefore, I will allow you to be homeschooled.” Shock turned to disappointment when he realized what homeschooling meant:
Cleaning the house from top to bottom, laundry, ironing, and cooking all the meals, - oh and I also want a garden!
Kidding aside, I explained to him. “It is unfortunate you children have to worry about stuff other than academics at school, but that’s reality.” “We parents need to remember that, and it is our job to help you with "coping skills" so you are able to handle these additional distractions.” I guaranteed, “In a few days, this girl will tone down her demonstrative doting” (which she did.)
I told my son, “Have fun on this year’s roller coaster ride, the ups and downs are what make things interesting." I told him that my 6th grade ride was the awful, scary, slow, indoor boat ride... and... the only reason this particular attraction even had a line, was because it was the coldest ride in the park on a scorching hot day! I received the smile I was looking for, now on to Math homework, (Yuck, I would rather have a garden)…STAY TUNED!
My son was begging me this week to let him quit school, so he would not have to face his new, not-so-subtle gal pal who is crushing on him. She is very vocal and very embarrassing....some might say down right overbearing. It took all I had not to giggle uncontrollably at his predicament, but, I realized this is as serious to him as my bullies were to me. So I took off my fellow-6thgrade-classmate face and put on my Mommy face and told him, “I understand your despair, therefore, I will allow you to be homeschooled.” Shock turned to disappointment when he realized what homeschooling meant:
Cleaning the house from top to bottom, laundry, ironing, and cooking all the meals, - oh and I also want a garden!
Kidding aside, I explained to him. “It is unfortunate you children have to worry about stuff other than academics at school, but that’s reality.” “We parents need to remember that, and it is our job to help you with "coping skills" so you are able to handle these additional distractions.” I guaranteed, “In a few days, this girl will tone down her demonstrative doting” (which she did.)
I told my son, “Have fun on this year’s roller coaster ride, the ups and downs are what make things interesting." I told him that my 6th grade ride was the awful, scary, slow, indoor boat ride... and... the only reason this particular attraction even had a line, was because it was the coldest ride in the park on a scorching hot day! I received the smile I was looking for, now on to Math homework, (Yuck, I would rather have a garden)…STAY TUNED!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - The Field Trip
As I mentioned before, there are a few things limiting me from fully revisiting 6th grade, because I simply refuse to do them, including field trips! Besides, I don't rememember our school system offering any 6th grade field trips back in 1982; therefore no need for me to re-live anything now. My experience with some of my sons' previous feild trips have given me good reason to totally swear them off...
I can’t even go to the mailbox during the fall season without sneezing my fool head off, but I agreed to go to the pumpink patch and go on a hay ride in the middle of October. What was I thinking? I sneezed endlessly and overheard one of my son’s classmate’s say, “What is wrong with your mommy?” How embarrassing! I was a nasty snotty mess after that field trip. That was the second grade...
Then there was third grade, when all of the classes went to see a play at Butler Theater. The teacher assigned me what seemed like 50 kids (ok it was really about 15…but still!) When the kids I was in charge of got off the bus, the girls all held hands and started walking quietly to the theater. The boys got out of the bus and scattered like little cockroaches, plus there were like five other schools pulling up and getting off the buss all at the same time! Eeek, can we say nervous break down. After it was all over, I pretty much needed a valium and a glass of Merlot.
So you see, NO FIELD TRIPS for me! I told my son to give me a full report for my blog since I can't go with him on his 6th grade trip. He told me they went to a place called the Challenger Center. He went on and on about how great it was... they all had to pretend to be astronauts/mission control personnel and simulate a mission into space. WHAT! I missed the coolest sounding field trip of them all! I started to get kind of disappointed that I made up the no-field-trip rule. That is until…he began telling me about the non-stop singing on the bus which included rounds of Sponge Bob Square Pants and the FreeCreditReport.com jingle…Keep my rules, keep my sanity...STAY TUNED
I can’t even go to the mailbox during the fall season without sneezing my fool head off, but I agreed to go to the pumpink patch and go on a hay ride in the middle of October. What was I thinking? I sneezed endlessly and overheard one of my son’s classmate’s say, “What is wrong with your mommy?” How embarrassing! I was a nasty snotty mess after that field trip. That was the second grade...
Then there was third grade, when all of the classes went to see a play at Butler Theater. The teacher assigned me what seemed like 50 kids (ok it was really about 15…but still!) When the kids I was in charge of got off the bus, the girls all held hands and started walking quietly to the theater. The boys got out of the bus and scattered like little cockroaches, plus there were like five other schools pulling up and getting off the buss all at the same time! Eeek, can we say nervous break down. After it was all over, I pretty much needed a valium and a glass of Merlot.
So you see, NO FIELD TRIPS for me! I told my son to give me a full report for my blog since I can't go with him on his 6th grade trip. He told me they went to a place called the Challenger Center. He went on and on about how great it was... they all had to pretend to be astronauts/mission control personnel and simulate a mission into space. WHAT! I missed the coolest sounding field trip of them all! I started to get kind of disappointed that I made up the no-field-trip rule. That is until…he began telling me about the non-stop singing on the bus which included rounds of Sponge Bob Square Pants and the FreeCreditReport.com jingle…Keep my rules, keep my sanity...STAY TUNED
Sunday, September 27, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - Blinded by Science
So far my adult 6th grade experience has taken me through math, reading, creating a country in social studies and now it is time to for science. Ahhh science! Science is awesome because the subject encompasses so much. You can learn anything from nature to physical sciences and this week we worked on space. Space as in galaxy, constellations, the universe, you get the drift.
Ok, so my son recreated for me the science test he took in class. He received an A on the test and he could not wait to see what I would get on this same test. “No problem” I said, “I won’t even have to study because I have seen Star Wars 1 thru 17 (isn’t that how many there have been?)
The following are sample questions which appeared on the test:
1. T or F – The newest space station is the Mir.
2. T or F - In the electromagnetic spectrum different forms of radiation are arranged according to shape.
What the?..Luke, Darth, Leia and ‘nem never talked about this stuff! Where are the questions about Tatooine? Needless to say, it gave my son great pleasure to give me a C on the test PLUS a frowny face. BUT despite his numerous attempts to convince me otherwise, it gave me great pleasure to remind him that television and movies isn’t all a kid needs when it comes to their education. Momma always gets the last word…STAY TUNED! Da de dada de dada de dada (Darth Vader Death March)
Ok, so my son recreated for me the science test he took in class. He received an A on the test and he could not wait to see what I would get on this same test. “No problem” I said, “I won’t even have to study because I have seen Star Wars 1 thru 17 (isn’t that how many there have been?)
The following are sample questions which appeared on the test:
1. T or F – The newest space station is the Mir.
2. T or F - In the electromagnetic spectrum different forms of radiation are arranged according to shape.
What the?..Luke, Darth, Leia and ‘nem never talked about this stuff! Where are the questions about Tatooine? Needless to say, it gave my son great pleasure to give me a C on the test PLUS a frowny face. BUT despite his numerous attempts to convince me otherwise, it gave me great pleasure to remind him that television and movies isn’t all a kid needs when it comes to their education. Momma always gets the last word…STAY TUNED! Da de dada de dada de dada (Darth Vader Death March)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - "Dating"
After our one mile run, I wanted to enjoy my son’s playground a little bit…after all, I did not get to spend much time on the playground as a 6th grader. Recess for me equaled bullies, so setting foot on the pavement was not an option. I did go outside during winter time, however, only because Indiana winters produced shivering popsicles, no one, not even the meanest of bullies could move during those cold days. We all used to stand in one place and pray for recess to be over. No matter how many layers a mother puts on the child, they still freeze during recess.
Now back in the present, as I was running from apparatus to apparatus with reckless abandon, I noticed there were a few pieces of equipment I had never seen before. “What do you kids do on those things?” I said. My son looked at me and with some hesitation he said, “Umm we don’t really play over in that area, that is where kids go and ‘date’…Scccreeeech stop the car, pull over, WHAT? My son laughed and said, “Mom you have a lot to learn about 6th grade.” At that moment I felt like I was no longer revisiting 6th grade No, at that moment I became an investigative journalist uncovering the seedy underground world of 6th grade, with a duty to report my findings.
First I want to report, 6th graders talk about S-E-X, yes that’s right! I am pretty sure I was still playing with Barbie and her friends, but times have changed. So parents if you have not talked to your kids about sex before 6th grade I would recommend you do so, because if not, they will get their education from their 11 and 12 year-old comrades who, probably have NO idea what they are talking about.
Back to dating…yes parents, kids “date” on the playground. They “ask each other out” during class… and by recess, BAM they are on their little 15 or 20 minute date. The dates consist of talking….and well, just talking I hope. My son could not give me any more info on this because he hasn’t dated yet…so he says. I am thinking about getting decked out in camouflage, with one of those army helmets with branches sticking out of the top. I am going to slither though the bushes by the playground with binoculars and get the full story…STAY TUNED
Now back in the present, as I was running from apparatus to apparatus with reckless abandon, I noticed there were a few pieces of equipment I had never seen before. “What do you kids do on those things?” I said. My son looked at me and with some hesitation he said, “Umm we don’t really play over in that area, that is where kids go and ‘date’…Scccreeeech stop the car, pull over, WHAT? My son laughed and said, “Mom you have a lot to learn about 6th grade.” At that moment I felt like I was no longer revisiting 6th grade No, at that moment I became an investigative journalist uncovering the seedy underground world of 6th grade, with a duty to report my findings.
First I want to report, 6th graders talk about S-E-X, yes that’s right! I am pretty sure I was still playing with Barbie and her friends, but times have changed. So parents if you have not talked to your kids about sex before 6th grade I would recommend you do so, because if not, they will get their education from their 11 and 12 year-old comrades who, probably have NO idea what they are talking about.
Back to dating…yes parents, kids “date” on the playground. They “ask each other out” during class… and by recess, BAM they are on their little 15 or 20 minute date. The dates consist of talking….and well, just talking I hope. My son could not give me any more info on this because he hasn’t dated yet…so he says. I am thinking about getting decked out in camouflage, with one of those army helmets with branches sticking out of the top. I am going to slither though the bushes by the playground with binoculars and get the full story…STAY TUNED
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - The Mile
I am ashamed to say I did not write a Wednesday blog because I allowed fantasy football to consume me. I am in two leagues and the way I researched prior to drafting my teams; you would think my life depended on getting the best quarterback or wide receiver. Now that it is over, I have to get my head back into a different game, this is my only shot to redo 6th grade. I guess I could revisit this grade with a grand kid. Naw, I will probably be too busy going to MCL at 4:00 for dinner or playing bingo.
So get this, my son comes home and says to me, “Hey mom aren’t you trying to do just about everything I have to do in sixth grade?” “Yes that’s the plan, I said.” “Well, today in gym class we had to run a mile, so you have to run a mile, right?” I could tell he was trying to hold back laughter.
Feeling guilty that I let 6th grade take a back seat and because my new jeans are a little snug we headed to my son’s school track. At first I was trotting around the track like a gazelle, gently dodging the little geese droppings sprinkled all over the track. After lap two (a mile is four laps around the track) my trotting turned into a sluggish shuffle. By lap three, I was just praying for it all to be over! My big size 11’s were squishing the geese pooh and I did not even care! When I got home I slapped so many Icy Hot pain patches on, I almost passed out from inhaling too much menthol. My son tells me the gym teacher is making them run a mile every month. Who is this evil woman?
Hmmmm…On second thought…Maybe I should revisit 6th grade with my grandkids because their gym class will probably be virtual. Can you picture it? Children sitting in the gym wearing futuristict goggles running the mile virtually…STAY TUNED…oohhh in about 20 or 30 years.
So get this, my son comes home and says to me, “Hey mom aren’t you trying to do just about everything I have to do in sixth grade?” “Yes that’s the plan, I said.” “Well, today in gym class we had to run a mile, so you have to run a mile, right?” I could tell he was trying to hold back laughter.
Feeling guilty that I let 6th grade take a back seat and because my new jeans are a little snug we headed to my son’s school track. At first I was trotting around the track like a gazelle, gently dodging the little geese droppings sprinkled all over the track. After lap two (a mile is four laps around the track) my trotting turned into a sluggish shuffle. By lap three, I was just praying for it all to be over! My big size 11’s were squishing the geese pooh and I did not even care! When I got home I slapped so many Icy Hot pain patches on, I almost passed out from inhaling too much menthol. My son tells me the gym teacher is making them run a mile every month. Who is this evil woman?
Hmmmm…On second thought…Maybe I should revisit 6th grade with my grandkids because their gym class will probably be virtual. Can you picture it? Children sitting in the gym wearing futuristict goggles running the mile virtually…STAY TUNED…oohhh in about 20 or 30 years.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - Math
Math…Ick! Who’s feelin me? I am sure many of you are feeling my pain. Math is not fun at any grade. After dinner and dishes, I realized it was time for us to tackle some serious math so I called my son in from outside to do our homework, and you know what I got! I received the double-sigh-crossed-arms-stomping-feet-I-hate-you-mom attitude. Parents I am sure you have seen this…it’s not pretty. I was going to overlook this eleven-year olds version of a temper trantrum, but then I thought, “Hmmm, is this what I was supposed to do too, cuz I don’t want to do this math homework either?” So I began to mimic his performance outside in front of all his friends and boy o’ boy did he hurry me in the house!
Now that the brooding was over it was time for integers, absolute value and decimals. Don’t be jealous.
You know how you used to say in math class, “Why do we need to learn this, because we will never use this as adults?” Well I too said this, and I am kind of proud to say I kept my word! Since adulthood, I've never had to diagram anything, been forced to recognize an isosceles triangle or lose sleep over exponents. I have never even balanced my checkbook . OK, I am exaggerating a little…I do calculate my PTO hours like a champ AND when it comes to going to the movies, if the movie I am looking to see is 133 minutes long, I know how to convert that into hours (I believe this knowledge is a necessity, who wants to sit though a movie more than two hours…come on!)
My son and I began the awful pain-staking math homework. I copied the page we were to do from the book and he used the book . There were like 50 questions on this page…UGH!!! Blood, sweat and tears went into this assignment. When I finally finished the last problem (1hour and 20 minutes later), my son looked up at me and said “Oh, forgot to tell you, we are only supposed to do the even-numbered questions.”….STAY TUNED…To find out if my son is still in one piece!
Now that the brooding was over it was time for integers, absolute value and decimals. Don’t be jealous.
You know how you used to say in math class, “Why do we need to learn this, because we will never use this as adults?” Well I too said this, and I am kind of proud to say I kept my word! Since adulthood, I've never had to diagram anything, been forced to recognize an isosceles triangle or lose sleep over exponents. I have never even balanced my checkbook . OK, I am exaggerating a little…I do calculate my PTO hours like a champ AND when it comes to going to the movies, if the movie I am looking to see is 133 minutes long, I know how to convert that into hours (I believe this knowledge is a necessity, who wants to sit though a movie more than two hours…come on!)
My son and I began the awful pain-staking math homework. I copied the page we were to do from the book and he used the book . There were like 50 questions on this page…UGH!!! Blood, sweat and tears went into this assignment. When I finally finished the last problem (1hour and 20 minutes later), my son looked up at me and said “Oh, forgot to tell you, we are only supposed to do the even-numbered questions.”….STAY TUNED…To find out if my son is still in one piece!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - The Fourth Week
Well, we are now into our fourth week and just finished our first major assignment. Our teacher had us make up our own country based on the things we like. My son’s country was called Sugertopia – can you guess what he likes? My country was Sleepganistan, cuz well, I love me some sleep! We had to illustrate our country equipping them with rivers, lakes, a peninsula, an archipelago (yeah, I know…huh?) and an historical event.
Sketching and colorinig my country wasn’t that difficult, my coloring skills are impeccable, thanks to Pre-K. But when it came to fabricating an historical event - WOW – had to completely shut down the left side of my brain to let the right side do its thing!
The following are the historical events related to our countries:
Sugartopia – During the Great Sugar Blight of 1809, the sugar became contaminated and 4 million people died. Also, later that same year was the Revocandiary War. The government wanted the citizens to only make chocolate, but the Sugartopians also wanted gummies; therefore they revolted.
Sleepganistan – The only major event worth noting was in 1829. Sandmen went on strike leaving the poor citizens of Sleepganistan awake for twenty-four straight hours.
Whew, this project drained me! My son was ready to play video games after we were finished with the project and I…well I was ready to take a trip to Sleepganistan…STAY TUNED!
Sketching and colorinig my country wasn’t that difficult, my coloring skills are impeccable, thanks to Pre-K. But when it came to fabricating an historical event - WOW – had to completely shut down the left side of my brain to let the right side do its thing!
The following are the historical events related to our countries:
Sugartopia – During the Great Sugar Blight of 1809, the sugar became contaminated and 4 million people died. Also, later that same year was the Revocandiary War. The government wanted the citizens to only make chocolate, but the Sugartopians also wanted gummies; therefore they revolted.
Sleepganistan – The only major event worth noting was in 1829. Sandmen went on strike leaving the poor citizens of Sleepganistan awake for twenty-four straight hours.
Whew, this project drained me! My son was ready to play video games after we were finished with the project and I…well I was ready to take a trip to Sleepganistan…STAY TUNED!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
6th Grade Revisited – Desegregation
Wanted to give a quick history lesson further explaining why I’ve decided to revisit 6th grade. In the 1980’s court-ordered busing was enacted and so began desegregation or “bussing.” Many black kids were bussed to schools in predominantly white neighborhoods. It was an effort by the courts to have the right integrated mix of students throughout certain Indiana townships. The practice of bussing was phased out around 1998.
Prior to 6th grade I was among the two or three black students already living in a "white" township. I did face some of the normal teasing, or just down right mean spiritedness that most students face such as, being too fat, too skinny, wearing glasses, etc. However, the “reverse” prejudice I was about to encounter from the other blacks students entering the school system in 6th grade with the advent of bussing was a difficult pill to swallow, and one I wasn't prepared to take.
The adversity and bullying I endured was not fun at the time, but the fun I am having with my son the last couple of weeks makes the experience well worth it! Over and above what else might be taught, "the lemonade you can make from lemons" is perhaps the best lesson we 6th graders will learn this year.
So glad I am revisiting 6th grade!
Prior to 6th grade I was among the two or three black students already living in a "white" township. I did face some of the normal teasing, or just down right mean spiritedness that most students face such as, being too fat, too skinny, wearing glasses, etc. However, the “reverse” prejudice I was about to encounter from the other blacks students entering the school system in 6th grade with the advent of bussing was a difficult pill to swallow, and one I wasn't prepared to take.
The adversity and bullying I endured was not fun at the time, but the fun I am having with my son the last couple of weeks makes the experience well worth it! Over and above what else might be taught, "the lemonade you can make from lemons" is perhaps the best lesson we 6th graders will learn this year.
So glad I am revisiting 6th grade!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - The Third Week
OK - I met all my teachers on "Meet the Teacher Night," and they never even suspected my undercover operation! My husband being there as a decoy no doubt helped with the ruse, as they mistakenly thought I was there as a parent and not as a 6th grader. I am so clever.
Here are some key assignments we have to do this year: Make up our own country, name it, draw it and create its history. There is lots of reading and we have to memorize the Greek alphabet by a water clock.Huh? What is a water clock? I am thinking it is something that makes watery noises to distract the kids while they recite the Greek alphabet. Since I don't have a water clock lying around, this is what I am going to do to recreate the experience: After I memorize the alphabet, I will have one of my co-workers (she will act as the teacher) go with me to the second floor of our office. There is a toilet there that runs for about five minutes after you flush it, I am sure the sound will produce something similar to a water clock. I am clever and resourceful.
Oh, I almost forgot. My son is still sharing EVERYTHING with me whether I want to hear it or not. He even demonstrated the move the "love of his life" made on him during recess. She came over to him, put her elbow on his shoulder and said "How are you doing today?" He acted the whole thing out and showed me everything she did. I don't know what disturbed me more, the fact that some girl is hitting on my little baby boy on the playground or that now he is tall enough to put his elbow on my shoulder. They grow up too fast. Παραμονή που συντονίζεται (Stay Tuned in Greek)
Here are some key assignments we have to do this year: Make up our own country, name it, draw it and create its history. There is lots of reading and we have to memorize the Greek alphabet by a water clock.Huh? What is a water clock? I am thinking it is something that makes watery noises to distract the kids while they recite the Greek alphabet. Since I don't have a water clock lying around, this is what I am going to do to recreate the experience: After I memorize the alphabet, I will have one of my co-workers (she will act as the teacher) go with me to the second floor of our office. There is a toilet there that runs for about five minutes after you flush it, I am sure the sound will produce something similar to a water clock. I am clever and resourceful.
Oh, I almost forgot. My son is still sharing EVERYTHING with me whether I want to hear it or not. He even demonstrated the move the "love of his life" made on him during recess. She came over to him, put her elbow on his shoulder and said "How are you doing today?" He acted the whole thing out and showed me everything she did. I don't know what disturbed me more, the fact that some girl is hitting on my little baby boy on the playground or that now he is tall enough to put his elbow on my shoulder. They grow up too fast. Παραμονή που συντονίζεται (Stay Tuned in Greek)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - The Library Experience
WARNING MOM DO NOT READ THIS PARAGRAPH SKIP TO SECOND PARAGRAPH – My days in the library in sixth grade back in 1981 were spent hiding out from bullies during recess. They hated me and wanted to kick my butt just because I was not “black enough.” I did not read while I was there, just hid in between the stacks until the bell rang.
MOM YOU CAN BEGIN READING – Fast forward to now –My new opportunity to do sixth grade up right! Yea!! I went to our local library to get the same book my son is reading in school. I had to head downstairs to the “Kidz Zone” to get this particular book. As I am walking downstairs, I am thinking “Hmmmm I wonder if other 6th graders’ knees and ankles pop and crack as they walk down these stairs?” I guess I could have taken the elevator, but that would NOT be sixth-grade like.
Before I could leave with the book, I had to pay a 70 dollar library fine, (Ugh…don’t ask. I think I have bad library karma. Instead of using the books as a shield to hide me from the oblivious librarian back in the day, I should have picked up a couple books and read a few of them…I am sure that would have pleased the library gods.)
Anyway, my son and I started reading our book. It is called Swindle; it is about 6th graders, for 6th graders – SWEET! I am all excited, but then something happens. We are doing our “mandated” 20 minutes of reading and my son is flipping through those pages like nobody’s business, meanwhile my adult ADD kicks in. I am thinking about dinner, work the next day, spots on the carpet, etc…He read ten pages to my two in about 15 minutes. Now, tabloids I can read…go ahead ask me anything about Bennifer and Brangelina. But this stuff?…Actually having to like read and like learn and stuff…I hope I can make it, only 176 more days to go…STAY TUNED!
MOM YOU CAN BEGIN READING – Fast forward to now –My new opportunity to do sixth grade up right! Yea!! I went to our local library to get the same book my son is reading in school. I had to head downstairs to the “Kidz Zone” to get this particular book. As I am walking downstairs, I am thinking “Hmmmm I wonder if other 6th graders’ knees and ankles pop and crack as they walk down these stairs?” I guess I could have taken the elevator, but that would NOT be sixth-grade like.
Before I could leave with the book, I had to pay a 70 dollar library fine, (Ugh…don’t ask. I think I have bad library karma. Instead of using the books as a shield to hide me from the oblivious librarian back in the day, I should have picked up a couple books and read a few of them…I am sure that would have pleased the library gods.)
Anyway, my son and I started reading our book. It is called Swindle; it is about 6th graders, for 6th graders – SWEET! I am all excited, but then something happens. We are doing our “mandated” 20 minutes of reading and my son is flipping through those pages like nobody’s business, meanwhile my adult ADD kicks in. I am thinking about dinner, work the next day, spots on the carpet, etc…He read ten pages to my two in about 15 minutes. Now, tabloids I can read…go ahead ask me anything about Bennifer and Brangelina. But this stuff?…Actually having to like read and like learn and stuff…I hope I can make it, only 176 more days to go…STAY TUNED!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - Charlie the Unicorn
I thought my 6th grade year would be all work and no play. I thought my son would enjoy coming home each day barking out my homework assignments to me. But to my surprise he came home one day this week letting me in on the latest craze. He told me ALL the 6th graders think “Charlie the Unicorn” is the funniest thing they have ever seen. I said “well since I am in 6th grade and all, let’s check out Mr. Charlie the Unicorn, where can we find it?” (I picked up the remote control to our TV, tuned to the guide) “Who airs it? What channel is it on, I will DVR it.” My son laughs and says, “No silly it is on You Tube." Of course it is... how could I be so silly? Anyway, we watched Charlie the Unicorn together, all the while I am thinking I am a bad influence, shouldn’t we be doing math or something but I could not stop, I was riveted by this crazy unicorn.
OK, if you have not seen the “latest craze” amongst 6th graders, Charlie the Unicorn on YouTube, I am not going to be the spoiler, but I will say it is bizarre to say the least. But, for some strange reason after the three-minute sketch was over, I started giggling, I really could not stop. My son was rolling his eyes at me saying “Mom, you and my classmates have low standards.” He walks out of the room and I am still giggling, at that moment it was like some Freaky Friday thing was happening in our house. It brought me back to those 1980’s Saturday Night Live Mr. Bill sketches. Ohhhh Noooo Mr. Bill…. remember? Horrible things happened to Mr. Bill but yet it was hilarious for some reason.
Hey turns out Mr. Bill is on YouTube also, so I can watch it anytime….ahhhh 6th grade in the 21st century rocks!…STAY TUNED!
OH…P.S – I picked up a book from the library yesterday, I am going to read the same book my son is reading in his class…more on this later.
OK, if you have not seen the “latest craze” amongst 6th graders, Charlie the Unicorn on YouTube, I am not going to be the spoiler, but I will say it is bizarre to say the least. But, for some strange reason after the three-minute sketch was over, I started giggling, I really could not stop. My son was rolling his eyes at me saying “Mom, you and my classmates have low standards.” He walks out of the room and I am still giggling, at that moment it was like some Freaky Friday thing was happening in our house. It brought me back to those 1980’s Saturday Night Live Mr. Bill sketches. Ohhhh Noooo Mr. Bill…. remember? Horrible things happened to Mr. Bill but yet it was hilarious for some reason.
Hey turns out Mr. Bill is on YouTube also, so I can watch it anytime….ahhhh 6th grade in the 21st century rocks!…STAY TUNED!
OH…P.S – I picked up a book from the library yesterday, I am going to read the same book my son is reading in his class…more on this later.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - The First Week
Just to recap I have decided I am going back to sixth grade with my son, spiritually, mentally, emotionally…just not physically of course…that would be too creepy. Since my 6th grade year was pretty much a big ole mountain of suck, I feel this is my opportunity for a “do over!”
So I asked my son on Wednesday (his first day), “how was school?” he sad “good”, on Thursday, the response was “good” and then on Friday I got “good” (those of you who have boys this response is probably all too familiar). Then I said, well son you are going to have to give me more info because I am starting a blog about “our” sixth grade experience….and then the flood gates start pouring! I could not get him to shut up – note to all parents if you want to get info from your kids tell them their stories will be featured in a blog. Those who have introverted kids let them know the names will be changed to protect the innocent. Extroverted, well, tell them their names will be in all caps with a 14 inch font.
Anyway, not much going on this week, our teachers are nice, the love of our life (well ever since 3rd grade at least) is in EVERY class we have and we don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing yet. We have had some drama…WE CAN’T GET OUR LOCKER OPEN!!! Just about every kid in the class knows our locker combination because they have made attempts to open it for us.
So now my son has this fear that a bully armed with his locker combination will shove him in his own locker one day. He watches too much TV.
Well that is it for the first week can’t wait to get started on some real 6th grade homework I am so glad I don’t have to memorize states and their capitals…that was 5th grade… whew! …STAY TUNED!
So I asked my son on Wednesday (his first day), “how was school?” he sad “good”, on Thursday, the response was “good” and then on Friday I got “good” (those of you who have boys this response is probably all too familiar). Then I said, well son you are going to have to give me more info because I am starting a blog about “our” sixth grade experience….and then the flood gates start pouring! I could not get him to shut up – note to all parents if you want to get info from your kids tell them their stories will be featured in a blog. Those who have introverted kids let them know the names will be changed to protect the innocent. Extroverted, well, tell them their names will be in all caps with a 14 inch font.
Anyway, not much going on this week, our teachers are nice, the love of our life (well ever since 3rd grade at least) is in EVERY class we have and we don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing yet. We have had some drama…WE CAN’T GET OUR LOCKER OPEN!!! Just about every kid in the class knows our locker combination because they have made attempts to open it for us.
So now my son has this fear that a bully armed with his locker combination will shove him in his own locker one day. He watches too much TV.
Well that is it for the first week can’t wait to get started on some real 6th grade homework I am so glad I don’t have to memorize states and their capitals…that was 5th grade… whew! …STAY TUNED!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
6th Grade was AWFUL!
There is a saying that people don't change, this is not true...they do. I did. In grades K-5th I was gregarious, funny, you might even say the class clown. Then came sixth grade. It was the fall of 1981 and the first year of "bussing" in our school district. Initially, I thought bussing was a wonderful idea, well only because my parents said it was. I did not know any better. It was awful. I am black and grew up in white suburbia, had white friends and I guess a white dialect. My "whiteness" caused many of my new bussed black classmates to despise me. Daily many of them would taunt me and some wanted to beat me up. Well, all of this changed me, I began to withdraw, my grades suffered and I barely spoke to anyone. My introvertedness made things worse because white people began to hate me thinking I was a snob. Geeesh all I wanted to do was go to school, learn, hang out with my friends and sprinkle in a little class clowniness from time to time. I let the bullies win.
But that is behind me, I am 39 and I have a second chance! That's right a second chance to revisited 6th grade. My son is starting the sixth grade and I have decided to relive it through him. I will do some of his assignments (I will post our work on this blog), read his materials, discuss classroom activities as if I am there. I will do everything but eat the cafeteria food. I have to draw the line somewhere...I am so thankful I get to revisit 6th grade...I think this just might be therapeutic...STAY TUNED!
But that is behind me, I am 39 and I have a second chance! That's right a second chance to revisited 6th grade. My son is starting the sixth grade and I have decided to relive it through him. I will do some of his assignments (I will post our work on this blog), read his materials, discuss classroom activities as if I am there. I will do everything but eat the cafeteria food. I have to draw the line somewhere...I am so thankful I get to revisit 6th grade...I think this just might be therapeutic...STAY TUNED!
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