Teaching Vocabulary

November 3, 2006

This morning, Mona, one of my students, brought in the word “over-achiever” and asked me to explain it. The conversation involved the whole class, but it was an unplanned, totally off the cuff, 30 second lesson. I promptly forgot it and we moved on to reading, math, and lunch.

After lunch I stood in front of the class trying to convey the idea of exaggeration. I was deliberately overacting. Ike told me I was weird. I told him it was part of my job description, then added, “It says in my contract I have to act silly at least twice per day.”

Moe immediately mumbled, “Boy, you’re really an over-achiever.”

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20 Comments

  • kat says:

    Isn’t that just a sparkling “TA DA” moment when they get it? I used to love when that happened with my kids.

  • QuillDancer says:

    Yep, Kat, that’s what I live for!

  • Geggie says:

    Hey, at least they learned the meaning of the word!

    Good luck with NaBloPoMo!

  • LOL, LOL, LOL, LOL,
    Knowing you so very well, that made my day!!!
    I love you, C

  • brian says:

    Only twice a day? Can you come teach the people I work with how to over achieve? I am afraid that they have no hope.

  • charlie says:

    It should be a part of everybody’s job description, QD, not just yours and your President’s.

  • Just Tom says:

    She said over achiever, not overreacher.

  • QuillDancer says:

    Tom — there’s a difference?

  • Jenn says:

    And that’s a bad thing, why?

    I am the most overachieving bum I know. I have perfected idleness to a t.

  • Just Tom says:

    I was speaking to the comment about over achieving being a job description for both you and the president. Bush has tried rather boldy to achieve some big goals, but failed. Overreach, (vb) 1: to reach above or beyond and 2: to defeat oneself by too great an effort.

    Need I say more?

  • QuillDancer says:

    Ah! I thought you were talking about my bad acting, Tom. Didn’t realize you were talking to Charlie.

  • Just Tom says:

    sorry, shoulda been more clear on that. T

  • Miz BoheMia says:

    That’s just the best and it makes it a memorable moment when they show you they got it in such a funny way… happens with my kids and it is the best feeling!

    Have a fab weekend!

  • jackie says:

    Quilly-Sister, you’ve got some pretty sharp kids this year. Better stay on your toes. What fun you must have with them – and what great fodder they are for your blogs. :) (I’m into smiles now, I think Tom implied I was laughing too loud).

  • Cindy says:

    You can’t pull anything over on those kids, can you? That’s too funny. Makes me think of the day Beth took Kylie to the Dr. and the nurse was reading her chart, “I see you’re going to be 4 in just a few days. How old are you now?” Kylie just looked at her in amazement and then replied, “Duh! If I’m going to be 4 that means I’m 3 now!” Beth said, “Kylie!!” Kylie turned to Beth and said, “Well she asked a stupid question, Mom!”

  • Man, I love your class!!!!!

  • Just Tom says:

    Hey jackie, don’t let me rain on your symbolic parade, LOL :) ;) . did I make you feel sad? :( BTW I’m ROTFL. oh BRB. FYI Here are some new symbols I made up for everyone to use (this may be my next post). so enjoy!
    a little drunk %}
    Real drunk %?
    Too drunk ;@
    The morning after %{ or ;O@
    giving a smooch ;*
    skeptical ;^
    Censored :X
    disgruntled ;
    scared :[
    innocent:]
    after eating a lemon drop ;+
    imitating a bunny :=
    Thought these could be useful. T

  • QuillDancer says:

    Tom,

    &:B toothy grin (with hair)

    I’d love to read the post on your blog.

  • Nea says:

    haha………Nick would like to have just one teacher who acts silly, or even human.

    He came home from school yesterday and said, you know what Mom, all of my teachers are mean….and yell way to much. It seems to be a Southern thing. I don’t remember the teachers in California yelling at students and calling them stupid in front of the whole class. Nick said at least once a day someone gets yelled and told they are stupid. It is hard to believe, but Ana told me the same thing when she was in middle school here in Georgia…..and my kids don’t make up stuff……..I went to school and heard it first hand, in the hallway, teachers hollering, and then telling the kids to be quiet……I guess they haven’t heard of learning by example here….

  • Melli says:

    Yea… if I ever get near Vegas I’m lookin’ you up! I think between the two of us… well… the whole WORLD may never be the same!

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