Do you speak Spanish?

Sitting at our retro-blue round tables in October, one student told me he needed help with his math. That's right, he TOLD me.

Student: Ms. S. I need help.

Me: Ok, but how do you ask?

Student: Yeah, but I need help.

Me: Feel free to be polite at any point.

Student: Ok.

Ms. S. Could you please help me with my math?

Me: Sure, I would LOVE to. (He rolled his eyes).

I sat down next to him and we began looking at Algebra. Thank goodness I had brushed up on these ancient equations last year when I was studying for the GREs. We began by writing one problem on the board. I had just finished writing the problem when the student said he had a question.

Student: Do you speak Spanish?

Me: Yes. (I laughed, for we have often talked about the fact that I am the ESL teacher and my official title is BILINGUAL Specialist...and all my kids speak Spanish...)

Student: You do? How come?

Me: Are you serious??

Student: Well, then say something!

Me: What do you want me to say?

Student: Anything.

Me: Algo.