"Conversion Chart"

Ok, being a math teacher there are some units that I'm aware of, such as 1760yds. to a mile or 5280ft. You can change Miles to Kilometers by multiplying Miles times 1.609 and change Fahrenheit to Celsius by subtracting 32 and then dividing by 1.8. Yet I was at a loss when I heard this from a second grader, "Do you know how many miles I live from the school?" "Eight minutes." This conversion I may have to Google.

"Let It Grow"

Two of the Three Stooges ran to the bus and hustled up the stairs all out of breath. Jumping around like two crazed rabbits and talking a hundred miles per hour they explained all the excitment. They had planted, not buried, planted some money in the back yard and were waiting for it to grow into a tree. Not sure who is praying harder for this to work them or me.

"Projects"

The young lady got on the bus carrying a shoe box. I said, "Good morning, you got a suprise for us in that box?" She smiled and replied, "No, it's for a project that we have to do in class". She then poceeded to go sit down. As she went down the aisle a second grader that had been listening to the conversation said, "Mr. Brandon, is it true that in the third grade that you get to do projects?" I replied in the affirmative and he said, "Wow, that will be fun I can't wait". Then there was a rather long pause followed by, "Now what is a project?" He didn't sound quite as excited after I explained that a project required work. The word work often takes the shine off the apple.

"Where Does It Rank?"

As I approached the stop I could see there was a new mother and child waiting. She explained that she was having car trouble and that her son had not ridden the bus before but would it be ok for him to ride today. He climbed on board and with kindergartners climbing on board is the proper term that first step is a climb. He sits down in the first seat and begins to look all around taking in all the sights and sounds of this new experience. Sometimes newbies need a little reassurance so I started talking to him, "What do you think?" "How do you like it?" Finally in my last effort to set his mind at ease I said, "The bus is a fun way to get to school". If there was any doubt left in his mind I'm sure it was resolved when I received help from Mr. Mucus who hollered out, "It's like paradise". I guess that sums it up.

"Recognition"

I'm often called upon to help with the more difficult tasks that students face. One such task is to help with the spelling of words that may be difficult depending on the grade level. For those that know me just the thought of me helping with spelling is a difficult concept. The spell check on my computer often replies with a "Have no idea what you're trying to spell". There was a little more pressure with this because it was for an award presentation. First I was asked to spell his teacher's name and then how to spell teacher. The student meticulously wrote each word (chicken scratch with a pencil) upon the fine parchment (page out of a coloring book) embossed with delicate art work (a teenage mutant ninja turtle) and carefully rolled it up and placed it in a suitable container for safe keeping (folded it up and crammed it in his book bag). So if you meet Mrs. Boles congratulate her for she is "The World's Best Teacher". I didn't even know there was a competition going on or that it was international.

"Security"

When you're young there is oh so much time to plan for the future, you know retirement, will I have enough to get by, what will I do? Then the years go past and you are coming closer and closer to what was an age away. It can cause some distress and worry. Today my mind is at ease no worry, no sleepless nights, the future is bright, yes bright all thanks to that trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent Boy Scout Mr. Mucus. He informed me that he was selling popcorn for the Boy Scouts and that he was going to make 356 million dollars and when he did, he was going to let me drive him around in his limousine. Wait the perks do not stop there, I get to be a part of Den 223, though I was told I would have to buy a Boy Scout shirt from the Boy Scout Store. Oh, he has more than lived up to the Boy Scout slogan, "Do a good turn daily!" he has given hope to a weary soul. Do not envy me that was not my intent for one day I may give you  a ride in the limo.

"On The Move"

"Mr. Brandon, do you know what that is down from my house?" said the second grader. She continued, "Well, it's one of those mobile home houses". "That kind where you have to put all the glass stuff and dishes away when it's moving or they will break". "My Nana and Papa live there, I think they should move". "I mean if you never go anywhere what's the use of living in a mobile home  house". She may have a point.