A light-hearted story

I felt the need to share a light hearted story....'cause laughing is therapy.

I taught 5th grade Social Studies [among other subjects] for a number of years. The curriculum focused on the Western Hemisphere in relation to the political, social, cultural, historical, and geographical aspects of the area. So, we began in Canada and kept traveling south thru the USA, Mexico, Central America, South America, and then north again to some islands [Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, etc.]. In New York State, there was a 6th grade statewide Social Studies Test composed of 2 parts: 50 multiple choice questions and a choice of 2 essay topics to write a fact-based essay. [the scarier part of the test...kind of a sink or swim exercise].

In order to help prepare the students for those essay questions [in 6th grade], we began modeling the 5th grade unit tests in the likeness [format] of the NYS test. We wanted them to be able to focus on the topic and how to write to the topic instead of being scared of the process. It was quite a process to get the kids to pick one topic, create notes, a topic sentence followed by supporting details, and a concluding sentence to wrap it up. The grading process for these was very time consuming because each one needed comments on the 'good aspects' and the 'how to improve on this' concept.
That background info being said, I'm happy to say that the kids were plugging along and beginning to get the hang of it. They were organizing their data and really trying to put the words to paper. Not the easiest task...There's the Social Studies part and the Writing process put together...Lions, and tigers, and bears...oh my!!

Okay, I'm reading, commenting, reading, commenting, reading, commenting on the 50 essays that were in front of me. I get to Donald's essay and I'm really pleased that he has advanced to writing more supporting details, as this was challenging to him. Donald's family farmed and he was one of many children. Every single kid in that family was delightful: a pleasant mood, a hard worker, and a great kid. So, I wasn't surprised that Donald chose the essay on The Great Plains and how their economy was built strongly on farming. I'm reading along, and it is really good. He's got a good topic sentence, and is relating the farming details in which he has some definite experience. It went something like this:
Farmers raise dairy cows and many things go into this. The cows have to be let out of the barn to graze during the day, and it is very important that they have enough water at all times. Milking the cows is an all the time process and it's necessary to keep the cows eating every day. Along with grazing, the farmer brings out oats and hay to the cows, and the cows say, "Yep! Yep! Delicious!!"

It was so real, and very unexpected, and so funny!!
To this day, whenever I hear anyone say 'Yep', I think to myself...Yep! Yep! Delicious!!
I did conference with him about a Social Studies essay being factual without opinion, but I must add my opinion that his essay was priceless!!And it made my heart smile. Yep! Yep!