Pocketful Of Posey

Yep! That was the first place Lai and I took our kids. Before I even worked at the center. Aww, memories. 

Oh wonderful! So, would you be willing to assist me in planning a field trip for June before the kids get out of school?  

Oh for sure. Then you can do the whole reinforcement thing. But I’ve found, especially with things like field trips and holidays, they’re usually so hyped about the fun part, it works to just let them concentrate on that beforehand. 

That is true. 

Speaking of which though, I did want to talk to you about the ranch you’re involved with. They do field trips, correct? 

Sneaky learning? Either way, if they don’t realize it, it works better sometimes. 

Hm... I suppose that term does sound slightly better... But I do think it’s important to, afterwards at least, make them aware of how much they have learned and how learning can be fun. 

We always had to do those timed math sheets and it always made me really nervous so I always froze doing it. 

Oh goodness. Those have been taken out of curriculum. Or at least, I certainly do not give them. They truly don’t do anything for the students other than having them memorize math facts but then having to get them out as quick as possible.. that is terrible. Each student is different and some need more time to process than others and they certainly should not be penalized for that. 

Tricking my kids into learning is one of my favorite parts of my job. They just think I’m the fun field trip guy. They don’t even know I’m finding all the things I wish I’d had as a kid when the worksheets were making my head spin. 

Tricking seems... deceiving... which I don’t exactly like that idea. But making learning fun does sound like a good idea! 

Math is definitely a big no go for most kids. I think for me, it’s because there’s so much that teachers always expected out of me when it came to math. And it’s got so many aspects to it and stuff. That’s why I liked School House Rock. It made math make sense and the sonds defintely helped a lot too.

Oh? What did they expect of you? I like that there’s always a certain answer. But I’ll look into those videos and see if they might help. 

But you tried! And you worked hard on it, which is important. But yeah, maybe for holidays, you, um… steer clear of the math. 

I totally get not wanting to get them hopped up on candy. Ha… hopped up. Cause bunnies. Anyway… there’s always cute little erasers or finger puppets or something you can fit inside eggs!

I suppose that is good advice, yes. I will have to do some more research too. 

I definitely figured that they would have gotten a sugar fill on Easter possibly... especially after Easter when all the candy went on sale. Those are very wonderful ideas! I should look for those.

Math isn’t exactly fun for most kids though. And I’m not sure how many kids are dying to become a teacher’s assistant either. If you’re trying to make math fun, i always enjoyed those old School House Rock videos. Maybe try that.

...I suppose... 

I guess I need to do some more research. I didn’t need any additional prompting to like different subjects in school... so I suppose I sometimes forget that that is not the norm. 

Okay, so then what did they say or suggest to you?

“Make it fun” was what most suggestions amounted to ... which I thought I was doing. But it seemed to backfire. 

Are any of those people in second grade?

Um.. Perhaps? Just not... in my classroom, I suppose. 

Fun and math just don’t belong in the same sentence. Unless that sentence is ‘Math is not fun.’ 

Well that is... not true. Some people enjoy math! 

Posey… why? 

Well, I thought it might be a fun twist to doing math! 

Have you tried talking with your co-workers to get some ideas?

...Well, yes. I have had some discussions. Or at least attempted.

True, but working with kids for a few years will give you a bit of a head’s up at least, right? 

Well... I suppose in some regard it might. Unfortunately, or... fortunately perhaps, if I end up having a child, they won’t be suddenly 8 years old when they arrive. 

And I still get to sleep through the night. I honestly don’t know how Jules does it 24/7 while she’s still taking classes. She’s a kickass lady. 

She really must be. I can’t imagine having a child while I was in school... or now, really... although I will have to experience  that someday I suppose since... this is my career now.

It’s the best! I mean, I want to have my own too someday, but it’s really nice right now. You know, to be able to give them back. 

Oh, right, yes. I imagine that is a plus when they get inevitably fussy.