Jokester

The "jokester" experience actually happened about a month ago, but I really need to document it. Luke's letter of the week for kindergarten was "j," and they had a joke day. Each child was supposed to prepare a joke to give for the class. We taught Luke a knock-knock joke, and he was practiced and ready to go. The day of the joke day he came home, and I asked him how it went. He told me he didn't do the joke we practiced. I was immediately a bit concerned especially when he followed up with the fact that he "made up his own." What?

Scared to find out I questioned him a bit further. He told me he gave a joke that was a lot like some other kids. He gave me the example of his friend next door who said, "Where does the penguin keep his money?" The answer was "in a snow bank." Luke does not get that play on words. His joke was, "Where does a cheetah keep his food?" Answer: "In his pants." In his pants, really?? I wasn't sure what to say and he went on to say that "almost everyone laughed." This is where I did not handle things well. For some reason I acted like it mattered and told him that was not a joke. His face fell. For the next few days he would say something and ask, "Is that a joke?" By the next day I was thinking to myself, what's the big deal? Why did I make him feel bad? So I tried to explain to him that maybe kindergartners and grown ups have a different idea of what a joke is. He actually does have a great sense of humor, and I'm sure that someday he will get a kick out of this story.

Luke got to celebrate his un-birthday in class on Friday (even though his birthday isn't until June). He had two simple requests: glazed doughnuts and his whole family. Jer, I , Seth, and Ian were there, and he was so excited. It really was a fun day. Actually I'm not sure who was more excited, Luke or Seth. Seth thought he was just about the coolest thing to go to kindergarten, sit in the chair by Luke, and eat a treat with everyone. It made his week!!



Ian was pretty much like a rock star. The kids crowded around him trying to get his attention, and he did not disappoint. He's quite a ham already so during the Q/A about Luke whenever one of the kids would raise their hand he would put both of his hands way up in the air too. The kindergartners thought it was hilarious...they are easily amused. Anyway, it was a successful un-birthday for all involved.