Laugh Lines May 2004

That's a lot of wood
In math we were studying how to measure perimeter and area and came across the following problem: A carpenter wants to put a frame around a rectangular picture with sides measuring 12 inches and 16 inches. How much wood should the carpenter buy? One of my third grade students raised his hand and responded, "All of it!"
Denelle Scheerle
Mandan, ND

A Meeting of the...Drawers?
My fifth graders were thrilled to play a game similar to Jeopardy! in order to review for a test on the American freedoms, branches of government, bills and laws and checks and balances. After I selected the "Potpourri" category, I read the answer, "This is the term for the group of advisors that assist the president with major decisions." One member of the team confidently answered in Jeopardy! question format, "What is…Drawers?"

I smiled and tried to control myself from chuckling. "That is incorrect," I answered.

The next team stole the question and gave the correct response, "What is...Cabinet?"
Jeanne Andersen
Chicago, IL

Sugar Madness
In my kindergarten class we usually have an afternoon snack each day. My students had a lot of energy one day and I told them I didn't really feel they needed any more sugar and we'd be skipping snack.

Later that afternoon, a few of my students were serving some time on the bench during recess. One little boy was sitting out for excessive talking in class. I walked over to him and mentioned that I hardly ever had problems from him and wondered if there had been a reason why I did today. He looked up at me as serious as could be and said, "Well, yes. I'm pretty sure my mom gave me sugar for supper last night."
Kari Hayes
Glen Carbon, IL

Mind Your Manners
My son is a student at the same school where I teach. One afternoon I was monitoring the door after dismissal. My son was waiting for me nearby on the steps and suddenly let out a deep, rumbling burp. Just like any embarrassed mother, I turned to him and yelled, "Say 'Excuse Me!'" A parent who had just passed me while going down the steps turned around and said, "Excuse me." When I realized what he must have thought, I was mortified. I raced down the steps to assure the man that I wasn't talking to him!
Sharon Lynch
Sheffield Lake, OH