Caveat: passing the buck

A 5th grade boy in a low-level class with other 5th grade boys managed a rather sophisticated exchange with me the other day.

The exchange began when I asked, "Are you ready, Mark?"

"Teacher, sorry. No," Mark complained.

I said, "You were supposed to memorize it. It's your turn."

Mark said, "Not ready." Gesturing with exaggerated politeness across the classroom at a classmate, he added, obsequiously, "John memorized very well."

John, being shy, made a look of alarm and grim consternation.

"Nice try, Mark," I laughed. "Close your book. Three, two, one… go! Start talking."

[daily log: walking, 7km]

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