Of geckos, absorbing liquids, and 2-year-olds

            Have you ever seen a gecko or lizard try to run across a smooth floor? The experience was altogether new for me. At first didn’t even know what I was looking at- something alive no doubt, but what was it? Upon closer inspection, I saw what was a gecko or tiny lizard outside my classroom. I thought the little guy was crippled, watching how he tried to scuttle away from me, sliding across the floor as if it was ice. It was rather pathetic- he tried so hard to get away, but it was like he was stuck in a perpetual moonwalk. He fit nicely inside the 2 paper cups I trapped him in. Strangely enough, once inside the cups, he calmly awaited his release. I think he was happy to touch the grass and dirt again, after the slippery floor of the school!

            The main reason I enjoy teaching the elementary grades is that kids still have a unique perspective on life, unmolded into society norms. They are still willing to believe that people can travel through time if they get caught up in a tornado, or that the tooth fairy really does exist. My students also come up with some very interesting, yet erroneous conclusions. This past week my TA, Jess, was grading a science test. One of the boys in my class responded to the question, “What is one of the things you learned about air” with this: “liquid is matter than can absorb water”! She and I both had a good laugh, and I was left baffled with the irony of the answer- nothing to do with air, and an obvious misunderstanding of liquid! Needless to say, I have my work cut out for me in the realm of teaching science!

            Today marks the first time I’ve ever shared food with a 2-year-old. Not sure it was the best decision, but both of us really wanted the grapefruit I brought to the beach, so we both put up with the other person’s germs ;-) I try to justify this decision based upon the fact that there isn’t a ton food available at the beach, and most of it is over-priced, so food is more of a necessity; but anyone who’s ever watched a 2-year-old eat will think twice before they share a bite. Oh, well! More strength for my immune system in the long run ;-)