March 2025 SOLC–Day 6
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I stood on the pavement on the playground, scanning the buzz of recess activity, and talking with my colleagues. Kids were racing about in various tag games, digging and building in the snow, and playing soccer on the plowed basketball court. There were more kids hanging from the monkey bars, swarming over the pirate ship, and climbing the giant web.
“Mrs. Hogan?”
I hadn’t even noticed Z. approaching me.
“Oh, hey Z, what’s up?” I responded.
“Do you know how people leave trash at recess?” she asked.
“Yeah,” I replied, “It’s a bummer, isn’t it?”
“Well, I picked some up,” she said.
“That’s great. Thanks, Z.”
She nodded and then continued, “And you know what I wish?”
I paused, thinking for a moment. She probably wishes people would just put their trash into the garbage cans! I thought about guessing that, but decided to play along.
“No, what?” I responded.
“I wish that when I touched the trash, I could magically turn into a janitor.”
Well, I was NOT expecting that.
“You want to turn into a janitor when you touch the trash?” I repeated, feeling the need to confirm that I’d understood correctly.
“Yeah. I could stay outside all day long and clean up the trash. And I’d have a shirt and do you know what it would say?”
“No, what?” I asked, waiting with bated breath to hear the next twist in this conversation.
“It would say: I’m only eight and I can clean up trash.”
“Well, that sounds like an amazing shirt,” I said.
“Ok, bye,” she said suddenly and just like that she skipped away across the playground and was gone.
Nix the comfort zone 
I love these little glimpses into these little brains. What a sweet child! She will make the world a better place…she already is!
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I love talking with second graders. It’s such a fun age!
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Again you delight us with your own inner monologue that brings so much humor to your writing! Of course we’re all assuming we know what kids are thinking and will say. But then we’re so often surprised. Such a sweet post!
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As you know, she’s a funny one!
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Ahhh! Such a surprise, and the t-shirt! 🥹 a wholesome slice.
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I keep thinking about it and trying to decide if she would want her shirt to say, “I’m only 8 and I can clean up trash.” or “I’m only 8 and I can clean up trash.” Knowing her, I kind of suspect the emphasis on I. Like ,hey world, you can do better!
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Oh my– I’d love to send her that t-shirt. What a cool glimpse into her thinking.
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It was a thoroughly entertaining conversation. She’s a hoot!
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Oh, to dream of being a janitor. Our janitors interact with the kids and they come to know and love them. Thanks for capturing this precious moment.
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I suspect she was also giving a commentary about how if she can do it, so can others!
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Recess conversations are gold. So pure and thoughtful. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you for sharing this innocent and delightful exchange. I’m smiling.
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I love this conversation so much! What a delightful twist! She knows what’s what. And I love that you didn’t guess. So much better to let her take the lead!
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I’m also glad I didn’t guess. Sometimes I don’t let kids take the lead enough.
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What a cool kid and so great that you were able to capture this conversation in writing. It’s rare that I can hold a chat like that in my mind long enough to record it later.
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For some reason this one managed to stick. So often they don’t!
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Priceless! So glad you played along with your “no, what” because those words opened the door for her spill it all! I LOVE when this happens with kids — we should never assume what they are thinking! Thanks for sharing!
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“I’m only eight and I can clean up trash.” How cool is this kid! She’s one to go to her high school graduation and get her award for the most likely to succeed! Love the story.
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This is adorable and will stay with me for quite a few days. I’m glad you wrote about this conversation, as it will always be there for you, too, when you scroll back years from now. 🙂
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I love, love, love the way you use dialogue!
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Got to love a kid who appreciates janitors! (And picks up trash without being asked.) A perfect slice for today!
Kim
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Kids say the most amazing things, and you captured that well in this slice!
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