Never A Dull Moment!

Working as a school librarian is wonderful! I am fortunate enough to see every student at one time or another. Most of them I see on a weekly basis. I help the 4th-8th graders find research material and good "pleasure reading" books. Before the K-3rd graders check-out their "new" books, I read them a story. I use story time as an opportunity to help them make connections between what I have read and occurrences in the world. Last winter I read a cute story about a mama grizzly and her cub. Prior the the story I placed a post-it high on the wall to show them the average height of a male grizzly. It was amazing seeing their little eyes staring 9 feet up toward the ceiling. When I read a Native American tale last spring, it gave me the opportunity to bring in a basket and doll that I had made from tule reeds. I cut some fresh reeds so they could see, feel, and compare between the fresh and dried plant. I also brought photos of a trip that my grandson and I had taken to the Maidu Center in Roseville. I had some great step-by-step pictures of a docent starting a fire from friction and soaproot plant. This week our story included a little lamb and I shared some sheered wool for them to feel. I know that many of these children may not have the opportunity to experience much of nature, so I try to bring it to them.

Are you wondering what on earth this above paragraph has to do with the gecko? I began this post intending to share a cute story, but decided to give you a little background information. Okay, I got a little carried away. Now for the gecko story. Last fall I had just read to a class of kindergartners. It was near Thanksgiving and I asked them to raise their hand if they wanted to share something they were thankful for. Twenty little hands shot up. They shared things such as ~ family, toys, pets, and food. As I neared the end of the group a little boy said, "Geico." I thought I heard him incorrectly so I asked him to repeat himself. Once again, and very seriously, he said, "Geico." It took all I had to keep a straight face while thanking him for sharing. I later whispered to the teacher, "I was pretty thankful for Geico myself when I was rear-ended a few years back." I have no idea what prompted his comment, but I smile to this day just thinking back on it. Out of the mouth of babes, as the saying goes. ;-)

I will share some of these "gems" from time to time. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I do.