Typical Morning

My mantra, especially with the fifth graders I work with, is "always an adventure." Here is a sampling of what I'm talking about. Actual questions and quotes from about 75 minutes of action with fifth grade band students this morning:

• "I'm usually at the bus stop at 6:45, but I woke up at 6:47 so I had to hurry out of bed and get my clothes on. I didn't have time to go to the bathroom or anything.  I ran to the bus stop, and it was just about to leave when I got there! Is it okay if I go to the bathroom?"
• "You should have brought your saxophone today. It sounds WAY cooler...It sounds like jazz."
• "What was the first book Dr. Seuss wrote?"
• "She's scary!" (accompanied by a finger point, and hiding behind my back)
• "Who invented the printing press?"
• "I broke my foot...(I ask about it)...Yeah, it hurts. It feels like it's burning."
• (I ask if this student had a Mountain Dew this morning) "NO! PEANUT BUTTER!"
• "Can I go to the bathroom?"
• "Can I get a part for Nottingham Castle?"
• "I left my book here last time. I think someone took it by accident."
• "Can I get a part to Star Wars?"
• "SHE'S SITTING IN MY SPOT!"
• "Can you fix my reed?"
• "My clarinet doesn't sound very loud today."
• "Is it okay if I go to the bathroom?"
• "My ears hurt!"
• (I complement a student on being ready for class) "HE KNOWS MY NAME!"
• "Can we play number 55 after this?"
• "I can't hear myself play."
• "Is it alright if I go to the bathroom?"
• "Can Mr. Chalberg play Star Wars at the end of class?"
• "It's my birthday tomorrow...(I ask if the student came down just to tell me that)...Yeah."

Always an adventure.