In the Middle of a Lesson

Ok, picture a teacher standing in front of her class giving a lesson on square numbers. Begin the lesson discussing simple multiplication facts and move into using graph paper to map out then color in different squares to show how to make the number using multiplication of the same two numbers. Imagine students working different double problems on the graph paper up to the 17 x 17 and trying to figure it out without counting up all the squares.

Now we sit carefully attempting to work the problem different ways and several students come up with GREAT ideas that make sense, but don't work. The idea is for them to try and problem solve on their own and as hard as they try, only one student comes up with the correct answer. Some are close, but none are correct but the one. I won't bore you with the details of the short cut he came up with, but I will tell you he was the last child chosen.

When the teacher called his name and he gave his answer, the class waited as the smile crossed her face. She told him he was right, asked him to explain his method and when it was all over, another student sang in a Mr. Deeds operah man voice, "THANK YOU LORD, THANK YOU LORD, THANK YOU LORD!!!!"

I tried very hard not to laugh because it really was inappropriate and made it through until he left the room at the end of the day. MAN OH MAN...kids are fascinating.