Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Human Body Acronyms (or Not)

We're studying "The Human Body" in 6th grade science these days, and let me tell you, it's very entertaining. We've learned all kinds of vocabulary, such as esophagus, sphincter, and colon. We've talked about digestion in the stomach, intestinal gas, and other "things" related to the tail-end of digestion.

Question Boy (as his Spanish teacher calls him) is a very insightful, inquisitive, freckle-faced lad who often daydreams and comes up with some very unique questions. Today was no exception. Following instruction on the word "feces," Question Boy asked quietly and sincerely,

"Mrs.4444, ya know how 'N.C.A.A.' stands for some basketball thing and how sometimes letters stand for stuff?"

"Yeah....."

"What does 'POOP' stand for?"

Quickly judging from my facial expression that he had probably taken a detour down Ridiculous Road, he added sheepishly, "Or does it not stand for anything?"

Unfortunately, I was unable to come up an appropriate comeback on the fly, nor have I come up with anything since.

Today (just in time for Thanksgiving) we will learn more about the word "anus."  I can hardly wait!"

23 comments:

  1. will anyone be quick enough to grab Uranus? That is the question.

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  2. Sounds just like something my youngest son would say! Just this past weekend I had to say to him "You have just ventured into Inappropriate Land. Please return to Appropriate Land immediately!"

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  3. you DO know how toilet paper and the starship Enterprise are alike, don't you??








    answer: they both circle your anus (Uranus) looking for Klingons........

    :-)

    Did you see my Potty Trained via C. diff post? you'll JUST LOVE it, it fits in perfectly with this one!

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  4. Alas, age does not always solve these embarrassing moments. When I was a student nurse, our anatomy and physiology teacher was in his first year of teaching.

    He spent a lot of time stammering and blushing in front of 18 year old lassies. Poor dude.

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  5. That's one of the things I miss about having small children around the house and/or teaching them. It's never dull!!!

    Lucy

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  6. hahaha! I love those folks who can have a snappy comeback! I'm not one of them lol

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  7. We love nothing better here than a good anus discussion~

    On a similar note : Today my son gets to see the maturation movie. A couple of years ago, a boy fainted during said movie. I so hope that doesn't happen this year.

    P.S. Your hives any better??? I hope so!

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  8. You do need to be prepared to give quick answers at work, don't you? I wouldn't be able to come up with something the POOP question either.

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  9. There is a school of thought that says the word 'Poop' comes from the Middle English 'Poupen' or 'Popen' which referred to *ahem* farts. It had to do with the sound one makes when one farts. The current meaning of the word poop came into the modern lexicon around 1900.

    Like my Gramps used to say - if you can't dazzle 'em with your brilliance then baffle 'em with your bullshit.

    Sorry. But that IS what he would say. Otherwise, I would NEVER be so crude.
    :)

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  10. oh fun a word challenge - I could not come up with this quickly but here's two options -
    POOP
    persistent
    obfuscating
    oblique
    palindrome
    --- or it you want to make it more personal --
    persistent
    obfuscating
    oblique
    pupil

    BTW, poop is a palindrome.

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  11. Too funny! Good luck! I would be speechless!

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  12. On spongeBob which my 7 year old loves P.O.O.P stands for people order our patties...it is right there in the krusty krab training video =) Happy Thanksgiving

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  13. How fun is your class! I would love to be a fly on your wall!

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  14. I am a little saddened that poop isn't an acronym!

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  15. Lisleman, you outdid yourself! A palindrome! How did I miss that "teachable moment!?"

    Good one, Free Flying! I love it!

    Lceel-Thanks for the education :)

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  16. Your arm bone is connected to your hand bone......

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  17. I loved Mighty Mom's joke!

    And I think the word "sphincter" is one of the most interesting yet horrifying words in the English language.

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  18. Next time a student asks, or it just comes up in conversation around the dinner table....

    Pumping Out Our Palates

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  19. Particulary Odorous Obligatory Part-of-life

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  20. Bless his heart...I bet he was really embarrassed! :D

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  21. Inquisitive students make for a classroom never ever bein' dull!!!

    (People, Ooze, Offensive, Products = POOP ) Best I can come up with of the top of my scattered brain!

    I truly need to be in my kitchen. Our clan (35-37) are pilin' in here tomorrow. The the grandkiddos are stayin' for a sleepover. Now ya know just how crazy I truly am!!!

    God bless ya and have a terrific Thanksgiving filled with family, friends and pie baby...lots of pie!!!

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  22. As the parent of one of those children who comes up with the inane (but utterly sincere) questions, I apologize. I'm laughing, but I apologize nonetheless.

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