Drawings, Teachers, and Doctors

Though they haven't watched "The Lorax" for a week or so, the girls are still clearly thinking about their beloved book/movie.  Julia recently drew what appear to be Truffula Trees:

While Madeleine drew the creepy, spidery Truffula trees of death:

Perhaps this is her attempt to draw the world after the Once-ler had destroyed its plants and wildlife.  Chances are greater that it's just Madeleine being her usual goth-artist self, though.

Julia has been busy drawing and writing all sorts of other masterworks as well, which she has been using in her "schoolroom."  Her latest obsession has been to play "school" while she's at home, casting herself as the teacher, and casting any willing participants, be they Madeleine, Ethan, me, or even her baby-sitters, as her pupils. 

Honestly, is anyone really surprised, here?  Is there anyone who didn't assume that Julia would be playing teacher as soon as she started elementary school?

This morning, Miss Julia led her class of one (Ethan) through reading, writing, and math exercises.  Beginning with morning meeting, Julia presented her written greeting to the class, helping Ethan sound out the words:

I'm *guessing* that the morning message presented to Julia's class by her kindergarten teacher is a little more coherent than "Love 33 stop go Lorax Elmo my," but I give Julia an A for effort here.

Next, Julia challenged Ethan to identify various numbers, using her xylophone mallet as a pointer:

Next up was the most exciting activity of all.  Julia displayed the following piece of paper, then waited eagerly as Ethan sat in silence trying to decipher its meaning:

ETHAN: What am I supposed to do?
JULIA: You have to see if you can tell what I drew a picture of!
ETHAN: A flower?
JULIA: (pointing to the first two items with her xylophone mallet) Right!  Tulips!  (pointing to the next item)  And what's this?
ETHAN:  A sun?
JULIA: Right!
ETHAN: And is the last thing an orange?
JULIA: No! 
ME: A moon?
JULIA: Right!  Great job!

The morning meeting concluded with the letter of the day, which was the letter "G."  Ethan's job was to practice writing the letter "G," and then write five words which begin with that letter.  Unfortunately, Ethan decided it was time to start goofing around instead of paying attention.

JULIA: Okay, who wants to try writing the letter "G?"
ETHAN: (grabbing the brown blanket from the couch and hiding underneath it.)
JULIA: Ethan, can you please come out from under that blanket?
ETHAN: But I was having fun.
JULIA: (authoritatively) Well, Ethan, you can have fun when you go out to recess, but now is not the time.

Way to handle your class, Miss Julia.

Madeleine was not a teacher, but she did play the role of doctor last night, giving me a check-up as I attempted to take a rest on the couch.  Even though it was time for the girls to brush their teeth and get ready for bed, Madeleine was too invested in her doctor game to cooperate.

ETHAN: Okay, Madeleine, it's time to brush your teeth.
MADELEINE: Um, no, I can't, because I'm still check-upping MOMMY!

During my check-up, Dr. Madeleine received several phone calls on her pretend doctor cell phone.  Who knew Dr. Madeleine was multi-lingual?:



And with that, I bid you all adieu.  I mean, good-bye, adios, au revoir!