The Perils of Pop Culture

Yesterday, we were discussing celebrations again, and I showed a picture of a Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon.  Then I spent about 4 minutes trying to convince 5 year olds that the large beagle balloon was properly known as "Snoopy", not "Snoop".

"But, but, it's Snoop... Dog, Mr. Graham!"

Christmas songs from a five year old

We were talking about the concept of celebrations today, and I was really pushing the central point that "the important thing about celebrations is that people come together".  There may be special foods, or songs or dances, special clothes or traditions, but the important thing etc, etc.  Yesterday, I used birthdays as an example of a celebration, and today I talked about Christmas.  When we got to the special songs portion of the lesson, I was asking for suggestions.  One student offered, "Jingle Bells!" and another knew "We Wish You A Merry Christmas!"

When I called on the third student, he screwed up his face and said thoughtfully, "Well, it's like, you know..." and started singing (to the tune of Happy Birthday) "Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas!"

Yes.  Love it.

What I look like to a kindergartner

I had one of my students working on a chartpack during writing time today, and she made this picture of me leading a class in line.  I think that the scale is just about right.