Kids say the darndest things!
Kids say the darndest things!
Some of the things that the students I visit across the state say really tickle me. Whether I am reading to K-5 or speaking about good decision-making with a middle or high school, I always wrap up my presentations with Q&A time. I learned quickly that kindergartners do not understand what a question is. But they love telling stories!
Here are some examples with my responses in italics...
My birthday is in December.
Awesome! That must be cool that it's so near to Christmas!
My favorite food is pizza.
Well, I don't trust anyone who doesn't like pizza...
My dog farts.
(Giggle) I've never had a pet, I didn't know that they do that!
If you showed up to my uncle's house, he would fall back in his recliner!
Oh my! I better not go there. We wouldn't want him to break a bone!
Now, as the kids get a bit older, they come up with questions that they actually ask. What I have found so interesting is that students, no matter where they grow up, want to know the same things.
It goes a little like this...
How do you keep your crown on your head?
They sewed it to me when I won. Just kidding! I pin it to my head, see? (bend over to demonstrate). If I could do a handstand, and then I did one, it wouldn't fall off. Cool, huh?
...I actually did limbo at one school with it on.
What do you drive?
A little teal, Toyota Corolla. But it's so dirty because I live out of it. I would be embarrassed for you to see it. Anyone want to wash it for me? I'll give you $5. (hands raise quickly).
Are you rich?
No! I just live in an apartment, but wouldn't it be neat if I lived in a castle? If I had a castle it would definitely have a moat and a drawbridge.
Do you have to do paperwork?
Oh yeah! I hate to break it to you, but every job has paperwork. You'll be doing it for the rest of your life; those worksheets are not the end of it...
Do you do kids' homework?
No, because then my brother would get jealous and want me to do his homework, too.
Do you have a sister?
I sure do! But she's lives in Egypt right now. Plus, I think she's a little too old for you.
Are those real diamonds in your crown?
No. What do you think I would do with my crown if it were made of real diamonds?
Sell it!!!!!!
How old are you?
23. (I don't want to know if they thought I was older or younger!)
Is there a Mr. North Carolina?
Not officially. But my boyfriend Dan thinks that's his title. Should I bring him by to visit next time? (a chorus of yeah!)
Are you married?
Nope. What would my title be if I were married?
Mrs. North Carolina!
Do you like pigs in a blanket?
Yummy! My mom makes those.
I just love the cheese in the middle!
Now, of course, I get many serious questions too. I especially love it when students want to know more about my favorite books and genres of literature. I enjoy giving suggestions that might pique their interests. At one elementary school I had the distinct pleasure of being interviewed by six 5th graders for their school's morning news program. They each asked two questions and all were intelligent. They wanted to know how I got involved with pageants, what are my favorite parts of being Miss NC, what is my best elementary school memory, etc. They were darling and enthusiastic. One boy even mentioned that he was so excited for my visit that he couldn't sleep the night before! How cute!
There are far too many memories and experiences to detail here. I wish I could remember everything I get asked; it would make a fantastic book! As I think of more, I may add to this list. As a state titleholder, you certainly have to be quick on your feet. You never know where those questions will come from!
My days are full of humor!
Jessica
Some of the things that the students I visit across the state say really tickle me. Whether I am reading to K-5 or speaking about good decision-making with a middle or high school, I always wrap up my presentations with Q&A time. I learned quickly that kindergartners do not understand what a question is. But they love telling stories!
Here are some examples with my responses in italics...
My birthday is in December.
Awesome! That must be cool that it's so near to Christmas!
My favorite food is pizza.
Well, I don't trust anyone who doesn't like pizza...
My dog farts.
(Giggle) I've never had a pet, I didn't know that they do that!
If you showed up to my uncle's house, he would fall back in his recliner!
Oh my! I better not go there. We wouldn't want him to break a bone!
Now, as the kids get a bit older, they come up with questions that they actually ask. What I have found so interesting is that students, no matter where they grow up, want to know the same things.
It goes a little like this...
How do you keep your crown on your head?
They sewed it to me when I won. Just kidding! I pin it to my head, see? (bend over to demonstrate). If I could do a handstand, and then I did one, it wouldn't fall off. Cool, huh?
...I actually did limbo at one school with it on.
What do you drive?
A little teal, Toyota Corolla. But it's so dirty because I live out of it. I would be embarrassed for you to see it. Anyone want to wash it for me? I'll give you $5. (hands raise quickly).
Are you rich?
No! I just live in an apartment, but wouldn't it be neat if I lived in a castle? If I had a castle it would definitely have a moat and a drawbridge.
Do you have to do paperwork?
Oh yeah! I hate to break it to you, but every job has paperwork. You'll be doing it for the rest of your life; those worksheets are not the end of it...
Do you do kids' homework?
No, because then my brother would get jealous and want me to do his homework, too.
Do you have a sister?
I sure do! But she's lives in Egypt right now. Plus, I think she's a little too old for you.
Are those real diamonds in your crown?
No. What do you think I would do with my crown if it were made of real diamonds?
Sell it!!!!!!
How old are you?
23. (I don't want to know if they thought I was older or younger!)
Is there a Mr. North Carolina?
Not officially. But my boyfriend Dan thinks that's his title. Should I bring him by to visit next time? (a chorus of yeah!)
Are you married?
Nope. What would my title be if I were married?
Mrs. North Carolina!
Do you like pigs in a blanket?
Yummy! My mom makes those.
I just love the cheese in the middle!
Now, of course, I get many serious questions too. I especially love it when students want to know more about my favorite books and genres of literature. I enjoy giving suggestions that might pique their interests. At one elementary school I had the distinct pleasure of being interviewed by six 5th graders for their school's morning news program. They each asked two questions and all were intelligent. They wanted to know how I got involved with pageants, what are my favorite parts of being Miss NC, what is my best elementary school memory, etc. They were darling and enthusiastic. One boy even mentioned that he was so excited for my visit that he couldn't sleep the night before! How cute!
There are far too many memories and experiences to detail here. I wish I could remember everything I get asked; it would make a fantastic book! As I think of more, I may add to this list. As a state titleholder, you certainly have to be quick on your feet. You never know where those questions will come from!
My days are full of humor!
Jessica
