Sometimes You've Just Got To Laugh

Really funny things often happen at school, and sometimes you just have to laugh when they do. I taught school for 26 years, and as an authority figure, I was expected to always maintain a professional demeanor. Nonetheless, there were times when kids did things that were so funny that I just could not stop myself from laughing.

Years ago I was teaching middle school dropout prevention. The classroom was small and self contained, and I spent all day with my students every day.

One day everybody was working quietly. I was at my desk grading papers when I noticed a putrid smell that was emanating from the back of the room. I looked up and saw that all of the kids seemed to be deeply involved in their studies, so I ignored the odor and went on with my work.

Then it happened. BRRAATTT! The cute little girl who was sitting in the back corner had expelled some gas, and I do mean expelled. The windows fairly shook.

A few of the kids were giggling about it, but I tried to ignore what had happened, even though I thought it actually was pretty funny. Before long more kids were giggling and some had started waving their hands as if to swat the smell away. The more they giggled and swatted, the funnier it got. The longer it went on, the more the kids laughed, until finally the entire class was in an uproar.

I tried to do everything possible to contain myself, but in the end realized there was no way I was going to win the battle. Finally, I, too, burst out laughing. Once the kids saw that I was laughing, they laughed even louder. Some were already rolling on the floor. Then it happened again: BRRATTT!

The little darling who had caused the uproar was now so proud of herself, that she was making no effort whatsoever to conceal her bodily behavior.

By this time, I was laughing so hard that tears were rolling down my face. There was no chance that any lessons would be taught this day. The kids simply could not stop laughing, and neither could I. It seemed as though it would never end.

Finally, thank goodness, the bell rang. Class ended, but a new hero had been born. No, not the girl who had broken wind…me! The students thought it was very cool that I enjoyed a laugh with them.

From that day forward, our rapport was better, the lessons went more smoothly and the kids seemed to be learning more.

However, I did advise the perpetrator to please either open a window or ask to be excused if she ever felt this problem coming on again.

She gave me a knowing look, got a little twinkle in her eye and said, “Of course, ma’am. No problem.”

Teachers sometimes learn more from the kids than the kids learn from them, and I was no exception.

My first year of teaching found me in a high school classroom extolling the virtues of the Spanish language. I was very serious about this mission because I wanted to impress my boss so that I would be rehired the next year.

While my students were working at their desks, I noticed that a boy in the hallway kept sticking his head in the door. It happened several times, and was causing a small stir among my students. Each time he did it, I would start to move in his direction and he would disappear. Each time I thought he was gone, he'd reappear.

Finally I decided to hide beside the hallway door where he couldn't see me. The next time he peeked his head in the door, I caught him. I was indignant. This boy was obviously running the halls and disturbing classes as he went.

I gave him a good tongue lashing and told him to give me his name. "James", he said. "What is your last name, James?" "Bond, ma'am" he replied politely. "OK James, I'll see you in the office after lunch today".

As he scampered happily down the hall, I looked down at the notepad. James Bond indeed! The little bugger got me, and although I should have been angry, I giggled all the way back into the classroom.

You've just got to respect creativity in a kid!!

Later in my teaching career I wound up at a high school in Tennessee. The kids were mostly from religious families and were generally well behaved and polite.

My first year there, several students approached me and asked if I would be willing to participate in a fund raiser. I was in a rush, so I didn't exactly get all of the details. However, I figured it was for a good cause, so I said yes.

The competition went like this: photos of the participating teachers were placed behind glass jars where students could vote with spare change. The teacher whose jar had the most money at the end of the week, won the competition. What was the prize? A chance to kiss a pig in front of the entire student body during half time at a big football game.

I guess I should have felt honored, because I tied for first place with the coach. This meant we both had to kiss the pig.

As it turned out, the pig was actually a baby pig. As I looked down into that cute little face, I couldn't help but love him...so kiss him I did!

Later, I found out that the 4H club had raised the pig and was going to have him slaughtered and served up for barbecue. I offered to buy him, but those in charge wouldn't allow it.

Thus ended my piggy love affair, but I still laugh about the incident today.

Clearly, teaching school is a serious business. However I discovered early on that a little bit of laughter and fun go a long way towards making teaching and learning more comfortable for all involved.

It's been many years since I was in the classroom, but some of my best memories are the ones that brought me closer to my students. Academics are important, but so are human beings. We should never forget that!