We're a somewhat long in the tooth assemblage here so you may well remember the Art Linkletter Show and his segments with the chattiest, most unfiltered cherubs, called "Kids Say The Darndest Things".

Just the other day, a sweet 5th grade girl informs me that a long time ago, people were made from dust. As I  reflexively responded something about evolution, and I certainly wasn't going to go into greater depth, she followed up with the question, "Who was the woman, was it Adam or Eve?". I've encountered similar questions for the last 20 years so I promptly advised her to talk to her parents. These cultural landmines can emerge so unexpectedly. 

Earlier in the day, I saw a boy I didn't know with a tee-shirt that read "I love (it used the heart image) Hot Moms."

Who is dressing this kid! And isn't this offensive to all the "not hot moms" out there?

A decade or so ago, during a geography lesson, there was a brief reference to Pangea, the landmass in existence before the continents separated. Kids find this fascinating and we briefly discussed it, viewing maps and seeing how the continent pieces could surely fit into a larger super landmass puzzle. The parent of one of my students contacted me and wanted to discuss why I am teaching such a theory. After I discussed the matter with my administrators, it was agreed that we'd meet in a conference room. It seems the parent was on the radar of administration and it was thought prudent that a police officer be nearby. Okay....well, I explained the situation with the parent, that it was but a brief, largely student generated discussion. He seemed satisfied, at least with me, but he was going to contact the publisher. I never really pressed him as to what his objections were thinking why provide an opportunity to elevate things. 

Kids, their tee shirts, and their parents, are really saying some strange things.

Peter T.