Ask any teacher, no matter where they are, and they’ll tell you that teaching is a rollercoaster of emotions, much like any other profession. Some days, they walk into the classroom only to feel frustrated by their students’ chaotic behavior. Other times, they might experience a moment of clarity that leaves them learning something valuable themselves. Of course, for a teacher to truly learn a lesson, it requires a good dose of humility and a willingness to listen—because sometimes, the students end up being the ones doing the teaching. This was exactly the case for one teacher who found herself growing increasingly frustrated with the responses she received from her class one day. In the end, her experience serves as a delightful reminder of just how hilariously straightforward and practical kids can be.
Teacher: "If I gave you two cats and another two cats and then another two, how many would you have?”
Johnny: "Seven!”
Teacher: "No no, listen carefully… If I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?”
Johnny: "Seven.”
Gets frustrated
The teacher rubs her temples, and takes a deep breath.
Teacher: "Come on Johnny, you’re better than this. Let me put it to you differently. If I gave you two apples, and another two apples and another two, how many would you have?”
Johnny: "Six.”
Teacher: "Good. Now, if I gave you two cats, and another two cats and then another two, how many would you have?”
Johnny: "Seven!”
Teacher: "Johnny, where in the heck do you get seven from?!?”
Johnny: "Because I’ve already got a freaking cat!”