Monday, May 11, 2009

Sometimes I Make Up Words... I'm a Teacher, I'm Allowed

I was teaching the other day. My students needed to figure out definitions for the words: discrimination, racism, prejudice, tolerance, acceptance and assimilation. They were not allowed to use dictionaries and had to put the definitions in their own words.

I meant to say, "do not use dictionaries to look up the definitions" and instead I said, "don't use a definitionary..."

I got embarrassed and laughed. A couple of the students looked at me confused. They asked me what a definitionary is and instead of admitting my mistake, I just said, "oh it's an American slang word for a dictionary. Same thing!" They believed me.

Luckily, they don't walk around and everytime they need a dictionary ask for a definitionary! It would be hilarious if they did though. :)

3 comments:

  1. That started my day off laughingfulious!

    Carl!

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  2. Oh I forgot, now those New Zealandners are going to come to the U.S and say "Can I borrow your definitionary?" and some American going to say "what are you talking about you idiot?"

    Just thought I say.
    Carl (again)

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  3. You always have talked this way leslie, i think you got it from me. You can tell your kids anything and they should believe you--your the teacher. ( I always did.)

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