Student 1: “Ms. C, can I stay after with you; I failed a test and need to bring my grade up.”
Me: It’s Monday. I stay after on Wednesdays. I ain’t got time for that.
Student 2: “Ms. C When will we get our grades for our essays.” (That were turned in yesterday!)
Me: I ain’t got time for that.
Student 3: “Ms. C why can’t Photography Club meet every Monday?”
Me: I ain’t got time for that.
Student 4: “Ms. C, Can I turn in my assignment that was due three weeks ago?”
Me: Uh, No; I ain’t got time to grade that.
Student 5: “Ms. C, what can I do to bring my B to an A?”
Me: Nothing. That’s a mastery level grade. I ain’t got time for that.
Student 6: “Uh Ms. C, did you get the emails that I sent you over the weekend about why my work will be late again?”
Me: I ain’t got time to read your emails of the weekend. I have a life, a family, a home!
Student 7: “Dear Ms. C, I noticed I got a D on my first draft. Could you please send me the notes on that draft? Also can I meet with you before and after school three days this week to improve my grade?” (Truth: The draft was incomplete and ignored all expectations set forth in class for revisions and notes on revisions.)
Me: I ain’t got time for that. Complete your draft.
Student 8: “Dear Ms. C, I noticed you put in a Not Handed In on my Independent Reading Assignment 1. I know I did it and turned it in. Maybe you lost my work?”
Me: Dear student, Glad to hear from you! Check your binder for this assignment. I ain’t got time for that.
Student 9: ” Ms. C do you have a pencil and paper I can borrow?”
Me: Borrow? Are you going to give me back the paper that you took notes on so that I can keep it as a keepsake?
Next Day INT ELA Classroom
Me: Okay let’s get ready for our mini lesson today! Writers, today we are going to grow into–
Student 10: (Raises hands)
Me: Yes?
Student 10: “Can I go to the bathroom?”
Me: I ain’t got time for that!
