Saturday, November 6, 2010

Wienies and willies

I love teaching English learners. It's beginning to be redundant, I know. But, now I am teaching pre-adolescents which adds an interesting take on the nuances of phonics, vocabulary and their accent.

I overheard this conversation while walking my 11 and 12 year olds to class after lunch on Friday.

"What about your willie?" asked boy number one, not bothering to whisper.

Laughter spilled out of boy number two.

"His what?!" I questioned walking back down the stairs to the boys, preparing myself for any sort of explanation or denial or....

"His willie," responded number one, innocently.

"His wienie?" contributed number three, overhearing the conversation and observing my reaction.

By this time, I was trying hard to stifle my laughter, and at the same time hoping I really did not hear what I thought I heard. I mean this was in line, and within earshot of me, their teacher, and it was Friday afternoon, and I had had an emotional week dealing with my soon-to-be-ex and my dog. I was not up for the discussion I was anticipating.

"His wheeeeelie," corrected student number one.

Whew!