I have a sneaking suspicion that this kid is gonna be a star. (aka A New Frank Cometh.)

Yesterday was technically my 30th “Meet the Teacher” Ice Cream social. I say it’s 30, but honestly I am brain dead so it could possibly be my 31st or 28th, depending on whether I showed up for all of them. (But we’ll keep that to ourselves, won’t we?)

These socials give the new children a chance to see their classrooms before the 1st day, meet their new teacher, eat four or five ice cream sandwiches and run around the building when no one can yell at them. To be perfectly honest it’s always fun-and I love seeing their reactions to the classroom.

The first little fella who came into the classroom was one of my international students.  I’m pretty sure he’s from China, and his parents have given him the American name of “Hans”.  (I am gonna love that this year.  “Never tell me the odds, Hans.”  or “It’s not wise to upset a Wookie”.)

Anyway, Hans ran up to me and said, “I have sumfin for you!” as he held out his clenched fist.

Because I’m no rookie, I placed my hand under his hand and he dropped something into it.  I was hoping for a diamond.

As soon as I saw what it was I SHUT MY HAND AROUND IT IMMEDIATELY!

It was small, chirps in the grass and frogs love them. Frankly,(I prefer them dipped in chocolate.)

It was a cricket.  A LIVE cricket. “Um, thank you!” I said.   He smiled and ran over to the legos.

And with that, this fella reminded me that even though I’ve been doing this for many years, I am still a rookie.