March 2020 SOLC–Day 12
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
The timing was perfect.
We were playing Jeopardy yesterday to review what we’d been learning about systems and the human digestive system in particular. I’d divided the class into two teams. Team Banana was up. Team Watermelon looked on anxiously.
“Large intestine for $400,” the student from Team Banana called.
I clicked, and the question appeared on the screen.
I read aloud,“What do you call the sphincter at the end of the large intestine?”
Team Banana went into huddle mode, turning to each other and immediately giggling and comparing answers. Clearly they knew this one! They quickly agreed on their final answer.
Just as they turned and in one loud, enthusiastic voice declared, “The anus!”, the classroom door opened and our Principal walked in. My finger, already in downward descent, clicked the see-answer button. The words “The Anus” appeared, emblazoned on the screen.
Team Banana cheered.
Team Watermelon groaned.
The Principal looked slightly taken aback.
I started laughing.
It was priceless.
At the end of the day I mentioned to our principal how perfect his timing had been. He admitted that after hearing the kids roar “The Anus” as he’d walked in, he’d had to resist the temptation to comment, “That’s Mr. Anus to you!”
Nix the comfort zone 
Perfect timing & perfect slice! I almost spit my coffee out when I guffawed!
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I’m still chuckling over it!
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Ha. Great one. Good thing your principal has a good sense of humor … (not everyone is so lucky, alas).
Kevin
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I count myself lucky. Our Principal is a very witty Brit!
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Priceless, indeed! What timing and what a moment! My favorite line is the last line, as I hadn’t thought about that interpretation. Thanks for sharing this!
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It really was perfect timing!
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Such a great piece … I chose to read it because I wanted a laugh this morning and you did not disappoint! I love how you stretched it out, building to the moment of truth and then with a heartfelt ending. Thank you for starting my day remembering what matters and getting my head in the game!
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Glad you got a laugh out of it!
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Hilarious timing! I’m glad your principal saw the humor in the moment.
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He is a very funny man with a great sense of humor. 🙂
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I love this lighthearted Slice. It is a perfect antidote to all the uncertainty and angst right now.
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It was fun to write something light-hearted, though it felt weird, too. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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That is a classic moment you’ll never forget and I’m sure your students and principal won’t either. How good is the timing and climax and how well you recorded it all!
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Thanks! I thought his “Mr. Anus” comment was too funny!
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Love it! I could picture Will walking in at that moment!
Sent from my iPad
>
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It was funny, Patty!
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Just the right thing! A great bit of humor and so well told! Sharing humorous moments is more challenging than it seems, I think.
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I do find it challenging to write humorous moments, but also a lot of fun–especially when someone tells me they enjoyed the humor. Thanks!
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I’m laughing out loud! Sure glad your Principal has a sense of humor, too! Such a fun way to review content.
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We had a great time 🙂
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Haha! Sure was perfect timing! I loved his comment as the end. Too funny! Thanks for the laugh!
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He always makes us laugh at staff meetings 🙂
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Glad your principal was a good sport! And what a great way to engage the kids in review of learned information… You are so good at telling a funny story!
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Thanks, Kim! What a nice compliment. I love it when something I write makes someone laugh.
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Now that is a priceless slice, Molly. I love this small moment that will last forever in the minds of your students and you.
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It was like the Universe just gifted me a slice! Perfect! 🙂
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Your principal is a funny guy! Oh, to be that quick witted. Fun story during a challenging time.
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I’m looking for laughter and silver linings wherever I can find them. Our district is now closed for at least two weeks. Teachers go in tomorrow to try to figure out how this distance learning thing will work. Wish us luck!
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Two weeks closed seems to be the rule of thumb. I wish us all a far milder Coronavirus than the worst case scenario.
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Me, too. It’s a very unsettling situation. I suspect two weeks closed is an overly optimistic outlook.
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I’d be surprised if you were back in this school year. Though I just heard that the prime minister in England has not closed the schools since kids are not getting the virus and perhaps it’s a far better place for them to be than at home.
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