Honesty

One thing I have found is that sixth graders are either brutally honest or brutal liars. Especially when it comes to something that may embarrass them or make them the victims of ridicule.

This is why I found what happened in class on Thursday especially funny. And enlightening.

If you don't know me, I have to preface this story. I am a farter. Yes, it's true. I am gassy. My intestines feel the need to constantly be heard. So, I understand NBFs when it comes to my students (NBF = natural body function...it's not like we choose it.)

Anyway, I hardly notice the sound of farts these days. My daughter can fart on command and my son can clear a room. (Or a country, if given the chance.) Therefore, when a student farted in the middle of a lesson I was giving, I completely missed it. For two seconds or so. I looked at the group from where the sound came, blaming it, of course, on one of the four boys sitting there. They all looked at me innocently and pointed fingers at this beautiful, funny girl in our class who suddenly blurts, "I'm sorry. It was me. I tried to hold it in."

Naturally, I understand her pain. I laughed uncontrollably for a number of minutes, along with the other 31 kids in my class and the fart girl herself.

And then she farts again.

Tears were streaming down my face. Then she asked, "Do you want me to leave the room when I have to do this?"

Through my laughter, I quietly encouraged her to do so...

You have to appreciate her honesty.

Now if only we all could let down our guard...release our egos...and recognize that our behaviors don't define who we are.

I strive to be as honest as this beautiful, funny girl. Because honestly...I still don't claim my farts unless I have to.

Who knew we would all have something to learn from gas?