Back to School!

Welcome back, students! We are going to dig right in and get started with our learning this morning. Do you like animals? I do! I thought it would be fun to use animal examples in our learning this year. What do you think? Would you like to do that?

(pause)

My goodness, such excitement! Please have a seat so we can get started.

(pause)

Sweetie, will you please sit down?

That's exciting that you take cheer and dance classes.

Thank you for offering, but right now isn't a good time to show us how to cheer when we are excited.

Okay, I will think about maybe creating a class cheer. Yes, you can help. Please sit down.

(clearing throat) Today we will learn "up" and "down."

These horses are walking UP to the gate.

I agree; they are very pretty! Please remember to raise your hand if you want to share!

They are coming UP to the gate for some carrots.

Thank you for raising your hand. (Pause) Well, yes, they do like sugar cubes but I only had carrots in my fridge. 

Oh, my! Look at all the hands that are up! Yes, dear?

Um hmmm, you are right. Carrots are better for teeth than sugar cubes.

Oh, wow, more hands! Thank you for remembering to raise them.

No, horses don't brush their teeth.

Yes, horses have very big teeth.

No, I've never had a horse with a cavity.

Flossing? Well, since they don't brush their teeth, they don't floss either.

I'll tell you what. Hold on to those questions and let's talk about horses' teeth later this morning. Sound good?

Wonderful!

(clearing throat again)

This horse has put her head UP and OVER the gate. (We will talk about "OVER" tomorrow.)

Are there any questions about UP? 

What? Oh, yes, sweetie. I gave them all carrots. No one was left out.

Say that again? (pause) You are correct! Carrots are very good for our eyes.

Last question, okay? 

(pause)

I don't know if horses can see as well as bunnies in the dark, but that is a very good question. 

Alrighty, then! Well, UP has an OPPOSITE. Remember, we discussed OPPOSITE last year. Who can refresh our memories as to its meaning?

(pause) 

Well done! I'm glad you remembered that over summer break.

The OPPOSITE of UP is DOWN. Here is an example of DOWN. 

The little dog has climbed UP on the back of the couch. 

Yes, sweetie. I know that is naughty. Thank you for sharing. Hand up next time, please!

The little dog is starting to slide DOWN the back of the couch. 

Honey, no, that big dog is not going to eat the little dog. Don't worry!

The little dog slides DOWN the back of the couch. 

Students, trust me! The big dog is friendly and likes the little dog. Really! 

Oh, honey, don't cry. The big dog won't hurt the little dog. Let me show you another picture of them happy together, okay? And go get a tissue. Where are they? They are on the back table.

(stampede)

Oh, my! I didn't realize so many of you needed a tissue. Does everyone who needed wanted one have one now?

Okay, here is a picture that should make you smile.

The big dog and the little dog are cuddled UP on the couch.

Oops! Hands up, please! Don't just shout out your comments or questions!

Much better! Yes, sweetie?

Aren't you observant! ("Observant" means that you studied the picture and looked for things in it.) You are right, that is a different couch that the big dog and little dog are on.

Yes, sweetie? No, I don't know which couch is more comfortable. The dogs like both.

The blankets are there to keep the dog hair from getting on the couches.

We do, yes. Brushing the dogs is something everybody enjoys.

Well, I put the dog hair in the trash can.

Yes, I have heard that some people spin it into wool. (I'll bet you have been to The Feast of the Hunters' Moon, right? I thought so!)

Now, let's move on.... Horses's teeth? Oh, right! I did say we'd talk about that...

Dedicated with love to all the teachers heading back to their classrooms. Have a terrific school year and enjoy those up and down-type discussions when they happen! 

Me with my very last class on our first day of school together. Oh, how I miss teaching!