A break from winter break: why I love 7th grade

Today, my 7^th graders wrote a journal on the following topic:

“Make a list of times you were treated differently, just based on the way you look.”

Student #1:

(reads board and scratches head)

What does that mean?

Me:

(thinking it’s fairly self-explanatory)

I’ll give you an example.  Imagine that I were a muscular, 40-year-old, 7-foot-tall man with a leather jacket and a really low voice.  If that man put his hands on his hips and said, “Start writing in your journal,” do you think (unnamed student) would still be standing up right now?

Student #1:

No.  He would be scared and would be doing what he’s supposed to.

(unnamed student sits down)

Me: 

There you go.  Even though I’m saying the exact same thing to you, you might treat the imaginary man differently because he would look scarier.

Student #1:

Oooooh.

(pause)

Did you have that planned out, Ms. Julie?

Me: 

Nope.  You just witnessed some impromptu teaching.

Student #1:

(longer pause)

I don’t understand that.  But I understood your example.

Me: 

That'll do, donkey.

Student #1:

Why are you calling me a donkey?

Student #2:

(laughing)

It’s from Shrek, you donkey.

(I really don't think he meant "ass," so I smiled at the innocence)

Student #1:

Oh.  Well, the man you described wouldn’t watch Shrek.

Me:

Probably not.  But in the morning, would he be MAKIN' WAFFLES?!

Student #1:

(clearly not understanding the reference, but clearly not caring)

Yes, a lot of waffles!  A whole lot of waffles, ‘cause you said he’s so big.

Student #2:

But Ms. Julie really likes breakfast.  She could eat a lot of waffles and she’s only a little bit big.

(thanks?!)

Student #1:

(short pause accompanied by a quick series of constipated-looking expressions)

OH MY GOSH, I’M TREATING HIM DIFFERENTLY!!!

Okay, Ms. Julie, you definitely planned this.

Oh, child, such things cannot be planned...