Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Today our third grade had a special treat.  For our "Communities" unit in Social Studies, which mysteriously covers the local government, a State Senator came to visit!  That's right, a real live legislator.  Take it from me, I was nervous in the presence of a man who delegates money into our school system.  And take it from me, I was right to be nervous.  

"Mr. D" represents our local district in the state assembly.  To my credit, I did teach the children about the three branches of government in each the federal, state, and local level.  One student even retained this information ("You are a legislator in the government who makes laws") and spat it back out.  However, after an anecdote about how a fifth grade class petitioned to have a state cat (The calico) the students could not get back on track.  I will delight you with a smattering of the questions my class saw fit to ask the dear Senator.  (If he only knew what he was getting himself into)

Senator D: "What is the state bird? It is a local sports team."

Student: "Peacock!!!!!"  

Other guesses included bald eagle, raven, robin, and vulture.  

Senator D: "What is the state fish?"

"Whale" 

 "Goldfish" 

 "Striped bass!" (Bless you Joseph for that reasonable answer)

"Why is our state fish a rockfish?! People shouldn't eat the state fish.  It should be a king crab!  Less people eat those!"

My reply: "Okay, king crabs are neither a fish or local.  They come from the Bering Sea.  Let's move on"

Answers for state dog: Chihuahua  (A fine local pet!)

Star Wars boy asked "What are you doing about the rebel forces?"  

• "Do we have a state monkey?"
  
• "Are you rich?"
  
• "What are serial killers?"
  
• "How have you been helping families effected by the economic crisis?" Wait, what was that last one?  Oh yeah, that's right.  A genius amongst the masses.  
• Oh here's my favorite: "Is it dark?"

Needless to say I have learned a life lesson.  When children are having a profession person visit them and Q&A time lurks around the corner.... pre approval of all questions.  

Love, Kaley

PS Learn something the Elementary Way!