The day before Thanksgiving my school was crazy because several of the 8th grade classes were taken on a trip to see a movie at Lincoln Center. Only the teachers and students going on the trip knew about it, leaving the rest of us in a tizzy with a day full of coverages and re-arranged schedules. When some of my 8th grade students found out they would have me instead of gym -- their all time favorite subject -- they were none too happy. I told them that I understood and that I would put on The Music Man for their enjoyment and that we could relax and chat as we prepared for the Thanksgiving break. I think this only went so far in terms of placating them.
I was speaking with some of the girls when I realized that the boys, who have been the best of buddies since elementary school, were getting into a heated argument. I crossed the room to discover that they were all mad at each other for who knows what reason; not a single one of them was getting along. When I asked why they were all so testy the following conversation occurred.
Evan (a pseudonym) is a very large boy with a very large head, a deep, throaty voice, and pock marks on his skin. He is normally very soft spoken and calm (or lazy).
Me: What's going on, Evan?
Evan: Yo, miss, this kid over year [indicating his smiling friend] . . . when we play Black Ops he likes to hide in a bush! So he can shoot everybody! Then he'll hide in another bush and shoot that bush!
Me: Well, Evan, that sounds a little bit to me like what we call a sniper.
Evan: No, miss. That's what we call a PUSSY!
I had to walk away laughing. Who knew he had it in him to be so aggressive and that he had such amazing comic timing??
