It all started with, "There's a bug by me!" That was squealed by a curly blonde 5 year old from near the window during math time. I held up my hand to signal that I was working with someone and I'd help her out in a minute.
"OK, but.... it's a really big bug," she pleaded.
I calmly walked over expecting an ant or small spider and saw THE GODZILLA OF ALL CRICKETS! Or at least I think it was a cricket. One that ate all of the other crickets in our room... or building for that matter. I saw it, gasped, and took a few steps back.
OK. They didn't teach me this in college. How do I kill a bug that is big enough to fight back? I did what any sane teacher would do in this predicament.
"Does anyone in here like stepping on bugs?" I called.
"Um, actually, I love it." said a boy in class with a glimmer in his eye.
He proceeded to step on the cricket as a peanut butter like substance oozed from his insides (the cricket, not the boy.) There was now a crowd of about 6 kids around us watching as the bug fought for it's life. "The show is over everyone. Back to your math work please!" I called.
I grabbed about 7 tissues and bent down to pick it up. I hesitated when seeing the thick brown goo that the cricket was now smothered in. So, I again called for back up.
"Who wants to clean the bug up?" I offered.
"I'll help!" said my favorite red head.
He bent down, picked it up, tossed it in the garbage, and made me feel about 2 inches tall. He made it look so easy. Why couldn't I just do that? As he walked away he looked back and said in a tone that resembled that of my own dad, "You know, you don't have to be scared of a little bug."
And so it goes. Just another day in math class. Hopefully I'll be able to tackle the next bug attack on my own. Maybe...
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