
Actually, my post is quite immature, but it is a classroom story that someone needs to tell. Might as well be me, the teacher who lived it. My story has language that would have been inappropriate in my classroom. Good thing we aren’t in the classroom!
…………………………………………….
What they don’t tell you in teacher school…
Not once in any of my numerous teacher classes, designed to prepare future teachers for the rigors of teaching high school students, did a professor ever say:
“Adolescent boys are quite fascinated with their male parts and have a tendency toward drawing them whenever, wherever, and however they can. They will slip one in on a textbook page, they will attempt to cleverly squeeze one on the whiteboard when your back is turned, and by the way budding teachers, don’t ever turn your back on a teenage pack! They will etch one on their desk, and into posterity their fascination will be admired, until the janitor arrives with a bucket of cleaner, maybe even a sander. Having to scrub another penis sketch, he has grown quite tired.”
An in-tune professor would have added, “Sometimes a young man will get lost in his manly thoughts and doodle one on a class handout before turning it in, then grow stiff and turn beet red when asked by his lady teacher, ‘What is this?’ before shrinking and shriveling back to his desk.”
I had to learn the hard way, lessons about endless penis obsessions located in the developing male brain.
Most encounters with duplicated dicks were ridiculous and distracting, but I did encounter one that was quite clever in its fashion, and had I known the creator of this standout projectile, I would have applauded him (or her) for their crafty style.
All students had departed the room and to my surprise, what did I spy with my little eye…
A paper penis pop-up on the floor. Creased delicately so, as to give it a springy lift from the worn floor. My teacher fan oscillating back and forth, did cause it to sway to and fro. I could not help but laugh, before I crinkled it up and threw it in the trash.
Then I washed my hands.
I wish my professors would have given us a head’s up about the artistic preoccupation of young male pups.
………………….
True tales from the classroom.

There are many things about my reading and writing classroom that I miss, but it’s not this! Teaching looks very different for me these days. I now work with author Sandra Marinella, helping her teach online writing workshops to adults. Using her heavily researched book, The Story You Need to Tell, as a guide, we model and encourage writers through narrative therapy – writing that heals. She has established a solid international writing community that continues to grow and one that I am honored to contribute to. If you are interested in learning more about joining an online writing workshop, please email me through my contact page. Thank you for visiting, reading, and hopefully, laughing at what I don’t miss! Be well. 💗 Michele
Find my photos, reels, and micropoetry on IG ~ @mlsefton
Photo 1: by Andrea Piacquadio on (Pexels)
Boys will be boys😁 Funny story. Naughtiness is part of growing up.
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Apparently so, and behaviors that many never outgrow. 👦🏻 Better to find the humor (when it can be found) and laugh, than to be forever offended. In my opinion. Thank you. 😁
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Comment hidden 😟
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Sorry you had an error. Feel free to try again. 😊
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Never mind , don’t worry! I always think first impression is the best
Impression , so again I don’t want to comment again , sorry 🙂
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I understand. No need to apologize. Thank you for the visit. 😊
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As a dad of a young teen, i can totally relate
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I am sure you have your own stories. I grew up with an older brother but teaching countless teenage boys through the years was altogether different and eye-opening. 😂 I don’t miss writing referrals for certain behaviors. Thanks for the visit.
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That’s hilarious. At that age our little head is competing with out big head and it often wins the battle for dominance of our budding maleness. I was never into drawing dicks, but I was a rotten student and a handful for the poor teachers who had to put up with me. One of my high school teachers worked her way up in the administration of the school district that I dropped out of, but now I have been a consultant for the district going on 34 years. We used to see each other in meetings and reminisce about what a rotten kid I was. She never imagined I would grow to be helping the district with hundreds of millions of dollars in capital improvements.
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That is quite a story, Timothy. Thanks for sharing! I have never taught in the district I grew up in. That would be something. I don’t have those stories though, as I was a model studious student. 😇 My older brother had a different reputation… 🙃
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I could imagine you were a great student. People used to tell may mom that I would grow up to be a no good for nothing delinquent. I think there are people who would still agree with that assessment.
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Thank you. 🙏🏻 What a horrible message to tell a child/teenager! Seems you proved them wrong. Good for you!
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I was always a weirdo, I still am, really, and I got teased a lot when I was young. I still get teased for my weidness by family.
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Being teased is not cool, especially when we are young. It can help build character and thick skin, though. Holding on to our “weirdness” and not letting the bullies win, is the ultimate revenge.
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Some of those bullies, who people said would also grow up to be no good for nothings, turned out to be descent people. I still run into a few of them and we get along great as adults. Others are dead. I remember telling of couple of my nemeses they would get themselves killed acting the way they did, and sure enough they died rather tragically. I always felt bad about that.
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Life sure is interesting and unpredictable. Sounds like you just spoke honestly. Their choices.
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Too funny- made more so because I know it is true!
Thanks for the morning giggle!
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We could write a book! 😂 Thanks for laughing with me, teacher. 👩🏻🏫
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Thanks for the laughs and memories Michele. I bet you have many fun and poignant stories from teaching.
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You are most welcome, Brad. Thank you for laughing with me. Many things were not funny, through the years – it is easier to look back and laugh. I couldn’t help but laugh at the pop-up art. 😂 Yes, you are right – many stories from teaching. 👩🏻🏫
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Crazy young boys! I don’t think mine have reached that stage yet, but no doubt they’ll get there…😅
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They sure can be! I appreciate the gender-neutral trend, but growing up with an older brother, teaching hundreds… thousands of boys, and observing my daughter’s childhood friends, I can say I have noticed distinct behavior differences between boys and girls. I am proud of and pleased by my teaching memories, but I sure enjoy working with adults now. 😄
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I can imagine 😅
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I paid my dues! As public school teachers do. God bless them! 🙏🏻
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LOL!!!! Too funny. Teachers should have to read this post so they can be prepared.
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Happy to share some laughs. Thanks for joining me. 😊 Teacher training did cross my mind. Doubt it would be approved professional development in any of the districts I taught in. 😆
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This is so funny! 😂 The phrase “this standout projectile” made me laugh aloud. Very enjoyable post.
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Thank you for appreciating my humor. 😆 🙏🏻 Too bad I don’t have a picture of that memorable art. Just as well. 😂
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Yes, I think a “heads up” is necessary 😉 My first year of hs two boys were caught dra
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😁 Wishful thinking, or should I say, drawing, on their part. haha Better the boys cleaning up their mess, than the overworked janitors. Destroying property is not cool, and writing referrals is not fun. I wrote my share of those! Thank you for your visit, Rebecca, and for sharing your own school art memory. 🏫 We can laugh now.
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Yes, very much so. Ha. I thought the punishment was fitting. Yes, much funnier in retrospect.
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Drawing three foot long examples of this kind of art on the main hallway floor! The punishment was to scrub it out with soap snd water. Took at least an hour to clean it up
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Yes!! It was often challenging to navigate “boys will be boys,” and I cannot imagine how teachers are managing it in these stressful times. I do wish we had been given instruction on managing puberty before we taught. Such a great idea! Thanks!
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I can imagine. I wanted a son too but ended up teaching thousands instead. 😄 So true – teaching has always been a challenging profession, but these days it is taking superhuman patience and perseverance. Thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts. 🙏🏻
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Boys!!! 😁
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I did my best to incorporate art in my classroom, but that was not the product I had in mind! 😖
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😂😂😂
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During my time, my classmates didn’t do the drawing thing. What they did was talk about it in the most discreet way as possible. But, us girls, already suspected what they’re talking about. And we can only laugh! They’re just so curious about it! 😁
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I gather they weren’t as discreet as they thought they were. 😆 Part of growing and learning, I suppose.
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I am over here being like what?? My brother two years younger than me never went through this stage (that I am aware of), however, sometimes obsessions never see light beyond their short existence.
I am quite amused by this little tale as I can see the truth in it. I also cannot help wondering if being part of a group of same-age boys exaggerates each moment into something influenced by all. 🙂
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You are asking “what” and I asked “why” many times with different classes. I didn’t just brush the behavior under the rug. haha I would ask my students, the boys who did that specifically, why they did that. They weren’t mature enough to have the conversation. I would say, absolutely to your second paragraph. Mob mentality. 🙂 Thank you, Jaya, for stopping by and for sharing your interesting thoughts.
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Love the shift in perspective I had reading your ‘why’! It is so important NOT to brush something over but instead explore why it is what it is. 🙂
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A beautiful post thank you so much
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Thanks for stopping by! 🌞
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It’s funny because it’s true 😍
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Right, you are because it is all true. Thank you!
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😍😍
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Never once had this impulse in my life, as a schoolboy or otherwise. Never knew any of my numerous friends to have had it either. Of course I have seen the artwork here and there, on occasional bathroom walls. Seriously, I doubt that it is very common at all. I think a small sprinkling of obsessed artists could account for the vast majority of examples. On the other hand… if I had any artistic ability at all, I likely would have tried my hand at drawing various aspects of feminine anatomy. 🙂
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Well, hats off to you and the respectful crowd you associate with. Seems too common in my experiences, both as a teacher and when I was in HS. Beyond my own school experiences, seems a common symbol found in graffiti as well. Drawing feminine anatomy makes more sense, and frankly is more attractive. Hats off to you a second time! 🥂
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LMAO!!! 🤣😱😂 Noooo, not the penis obsession!!! Michele, how did you keep a straight face? 😲 What were they trying to go for, The Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci??? 🤭 Boys and their toys! LOL 🤦🏽♀️👱🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️
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I hear your laughter from here. Fantastic! 😂 Many times I had an angry face, but the pop-up penis was too funny and original to not laugh. Easier to do by myself, without a class full of students. It was a parting gift. haha You are so funny! 😂🥂
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🤣😆😂 Guuurrrrrlllll Michele I am rollin’. But girl, thanks soooo much for the laughs. It’s hard to believe, but let’s hear it for the boys!!! They never seem to disappoint! 😲🤭😱
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OMG LOL hahaha …I hadn’t imagined any of this, yet can imagine how ignorant I live with all that teachers get to encounter with these bunch of half-kid-half-adult human beings, I am raising 2 of my own, and wonder all that I don’t know :))))
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Forgive me for the being the one to put those visuals in your head. 😂 Yes, teachers wear many hats and deal with many scenarios beyond teaching their curriculum. Just ask – I am sure your children will tell you everything. haha Thanks for the visit!
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Best read of the day by far. “ I could not help but laugh, before I crinkled it up and threw it in the trash.” And, best line of the day. Gosh were my hormones really that out of control when I was an adolescent, ummm, yep, they were. Though for the record, I do not remembering making so many references and creations about the penis. Yet, that was long ago. 😅 Great post Michele! Happy weekend!! 🌸❤️
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Silly stuff! 😂 Thank you for joining and enjoying the silly. 😄 The teenage years had their share of challenges, but they also offer fun memories. Happy Sunday, Jeff. Make it a great week! 🌞🌳💝
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Haha! 🤣 Indeed, and agreed, Michele. Thank you!!💖🌸✨
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Damn. . . I see that my last comment got erased.
I was hoping that it would not only be well received by everyone, but people would visit my blog in turn an like and comment on my posts.
But this is not the first time I have been dead-wrong about the public appraisal of my sentiments, which I thought were really quite earnest and sincere, and I thought that they were in congruence with the humorous way that you were poking a little fun at the behavior of your adolescent male students.
But in retrospect, I see now where my Autism might have once again gotten the better of my judgment on how my social graciousness is perceived by others.
That’s right, I am a 38 year old man with Asperger’s syndrome, and it has gotten me in a lot of similar fiascos throughout the entirety of my existence.
That being said: here is another link to my blog about how I used to frequently draw dicks in school, but this time I have made an attempt to jettison all the inappropriate fat, in an attempt to make a kosher funny that will get a better reception from you and your audience. So without further a-do, I give you my post about drawing dicks below:
http://lostboysaga.art.blog/2022/02/15/drawing-dicks-during-my-algebra-1-class/
I’m is
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Alexandar, I approved your comment in the spirit of sharing multiple perspectives. It has never been my attention to create a personal writing platform that only acknowledges opinions that support or strengthen mine. Being open to multiple opinions connects people, which strengthens humanity, and keeps life interesting and allows one to continue learning. I also appreciate the time and attention you put into your comment, with the addition of your individuality and personal challenges affected by the same. A quick look at your graphic post, reveals drawings I don’t miss, but in the spirit of openness and acceptance, and appreciation for creativity and art, in all its varied forms, with a splash of humor (pun not intended but funny nonetheless), I say thank you for visiting, sharing, and linking.
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Wow! Thank you so much! 🙏
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You are welcome. 🌻
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Is there any way I can write you other than here?
You are really cool for a chick, and not to sound too mannish or repugnant: you are a very beautiful woman, and by judging the level of your writing skills, you seem to maybe be a little older than me. I am in my 30s and I have a bit of a Peter Pan complex so I feel younger than what I actually am, but you seem very attractive to me. And the coolness with which you countered my provocative comment, I know you are such an amazing catch. I could easily fall for a woman like you.
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😆God bless our teachers!
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Amen to that! 🙏🏻😊
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As a young male pup I was never taken by the phallic mania which had consumed many of my peers. I always thought it paradoxical for young men attempting to appeal to the opposite sex, obsessing over references – conversational and visual – to their genitalia. Friends of mine in particular were very concerned with not appearing to be homosexual, another favorite jab of middle-school aged boys asserting their social dominance. But then… they go and draw penises everywhere…? Mostly I was concerned with the affordability of ice cream sandwiches at lunch, haha.
Thanks for this post. On behalf of my generation of single-subject artists, I apologize!!
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Thank you for the articulate and humorous comment. No need to carry the burden of an entire generation, or multiple generations as this has been going on a long time but on behalf of teachers and custodians everywhere, thank you all the same. 🙏🏻Thanks for the visit! 😄
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LOL! One thing they don’t tell you in nursing school – guys never give up that obsession with their penises, no matter how old and debilitated they are!
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Oh dear! The things we must learn the hard way, it appears! 😂
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An entertaining post, in large part due to your humorous writing style. I was in plenty of trouble at school but never for that obsession. At home, I did stumble upon inappropriate drawings done by my artistic middle son but fortunately, we were never called to a parent-teacher conference on this issue. We did have a related issue with an exchange student but I made my teacher wife handle it alone with the school.
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Thank you, Geoff. I am glad you were entertained. 😄 I imagine your wife wasn’t too happy about having to attend yet another meeting. 😒 Thanks for sharing!
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No, she was not but we have a division of labor that falls in her favor too!
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Smart woman. 😁
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A great fun story Michele that has me laughing remembering my son and his friends. Glad you are outta the classroom so you could share it with us. 💖
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I am happy to read my story made you laugh. 😆 Thank you and thanks for the visit! 💝
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Oh it was my pleasure and gain.. thanks again and you’re always welcome! 💖
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Oh shucks! I taught 3rd graders for a short period many many years back as one of my first few serious jobs and boys no matter what their age, will have the fascination for their “parts”. I experienced it first hand in the class, and almost fell from the shock, only to be told later, its a boy thing(gasp)! Yikes. But I love the humor you managed to weave from it all 🙂 ❤
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Good for you! Third grade is an interesting age. It seems to be a transitional year for kids – the year they evolve from being very young to having more independence and their own minds, and as you pointed out, more awareness. Or not? 🤔😆 Thank you for your visit and comments. 🌞💐
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The odd thing is that, from a parents’ perspective, teenage boys are easier to raise than similarly aged girls. We had boy girl twins and that was our experience. Others have agreed. Maybe boys are just more outspoken about puberty?
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I only raised a girl, not a boy, so I do not share your parenting knowledge, however, I can say that raising a teenage girl was not easy! 😱 I did not think my daughter and I would survive those years. Fortunately, we did, and our bond is strong now. Thank you for your visit and your comment, Glen. 🌞
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I would have thought that girls would be easier before our daughter reached the difficult years. She’s finished University now but still seems bewildered by life while our son has a career, a girlfriend and has booked travel to Europe. It’s all quite an eye opener. Not that I really understand why things happened as they did. I’m just over 60 now but I remember when I was a teenager. Maybe things have changed but in my day boys were problems and I fit that model perfectly.
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It is interesting… personalities and societal shifts. It is also fascinating how completely different siblings can be. I suppose we each show up with our unique personalities, regardless of gender. I truly appreciate your comments on this subject. 🙏🏻
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Wonderful. I just published my first story and I’m sure it’ll be with your while 😊
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Congrats to you! Wishing you a meaningful and rewarding writing journey. ✨
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It probably had a name also. 😉
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Probably so. 😆
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Hmmmm
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I remember going to high school the boys used to have a huge fascination with this! Your post made me laugh!
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Seems to be a thing. 😕 Happy to share a laugh. Thanks for the visit!
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Very creative indeed! I was shocked to find the penis (and breast) preoccupation among elementary school lads when I was teaching. Oh my.
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Thank you! Oh my, is right. I subbed the youngsters a few times – never saw that! 😱 Oh the stories we can tell. 😆 Thank you for your dedicated service to a noble and important profession. 😊
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A paper penis pop-up. SMH. I’ve come across many-a-penis doodle in my sophomore classrooms. And a couple years ago, I saw a blue penis spray painted on a palm tree at the beach. But a pop-up beats all.
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Sophomores… a challenging age to teach! A lot of attitude at that age. Aren’t they all in one way or another? I taught seniors my last several years. 🎓 Yes, points for originality with that one! Thanks for the visit and comment. 🙏🏻
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I’m teaching seniors now, but I taught sophomores for the majority of my 21 years and started with seventh graders. Each level up makes it harder to go backwards.
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I started with middle school too. Right, you are! Next step is graduating with the seniors. 😁 I do miss graduation ceremonies. A most joyful and meaningful day!
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None of that stuff happened in my high school, at least that I am aware of; but I’m from an earlier time when you could hitchhike without a problem. I understand the world has changes, some for the better and some not so good.
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Young people are much bolder than we were. In many ways, and you are right, some changes are positive and others, not so much! Thanks for stopping by. 🙏🏻
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Reblogged this on Nelsapy.
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Thank you for sharing. 🌻
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Welcome Michele Lee 😎😎
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Very funny 👍👍
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😄😂 🙏🏻
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This is very funny Michelle! I missed this one earlier. Yes, boys do seem preoccupied at times. Seems to carry on into adult life as well! LOL Perhaps not as overtly! Some things never change!
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Silly stuff! I am glad you found the humor in my teacher story. The things teachers endure. 😰 True, an obsession that lasts a lifetime! 😂 Thanks for reading and sharing your funny thoughts.
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You are welcome!
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lol. 🙂 This reminded me of something that I experienced in a middle school Social Studies class. I had to walk to school so my mom would buy me gloves to wear during the winter. This year, she had given me very stiff gloves that would stand up on the table after I had taken them off. So, thinking I was clever, I took them off my hands and stood them up on my desk and folded all the fingers down except the middle fingers. So I had two disembodied hands flipping the teacher off.
As soon as the teacher stood to start class, he saw my gloves and walked up to my desk. He took my gloves and placed them on the counter at the back of the room with the middle fingers still up and now facing us students and flipping us off. I always hated that class, but I respected the teacher for not spoiling the gag.
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Thank you, Richard, for reading and sharing your funny story. Kudos to the teacher for staying calm and cool. 👨🏻🏫
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