When I Grow Up
By “Weird “Al Yankovic
My story begins on Thursday at noon in Mrs. Krupp’s classroom, where it is show-and-tell time. This week’s topic is, “what am I going to be when I grow up.” Ambitious and gifted student Billy waves his hand in the air, as he has so much to share with the class. Mrs. Krupp picks Billy to go first, thinking he would keep his future career plans brief, but as we find out, Billy has many, many, many, many plans for his future. He begins by telling his “esteemed colleagues” that he will be the world’s finest chef, preparing “shrimp-flavored lollipops” and “Twinkies au Gratin.” Thinking Billy is wrapping up, Mrs. Krupp asks for the next person to go; however, Billy is just getting started. He continues by explaining his plans to become a snail trainer, giraffe milker, gorilla masseuse, smelly pit-sniffing deodorant tester among other things. Mrs. Krupp stresses that Billy needs to make up his mind and pick his ONE career choice. Billy explains that his great grandfather, who just turned one hundred three, has been a butcher, telephone psychic, bellman…and still does not know what he wants to be. Eventually, over lunch, Billy continues thinking about his future, and finally considers becoming a great teacher, like his dear Mrs. Krupp.
This is versatile book that could be used for PK-5. The book is written in couplet form, so lessons on rhyming and poetry could be introduced by this book. After reading, a class discussion could be had about what each student would like to do in the future. Perhaps guest speakers (parents) could come in and talk about their careers. Students could write a letter to someone in the career field that they might consider and, hopefully, get a response letter. Students could even brainstorm careers that do not even exist yet, that the world needs or may soon need.
Mr. Stark
By “Weird “Al Yankovic
My story begins on Thursday at noon in Mrs. Krupp’s classroom, where it is show-and-tell time. This week’s topic is, “what am I going to be when I grow up.” Ambitious and gifted student Billy waves his hand in the air, as he has so much to share with the class. Mrs. Krupp picks Billy to go first, thinking he would keep his future career plans brief, but as we find out, Billy has many, many, many, many plans for his future. He begins by telling his “esteemed colleagues” that he will be the world’s finest chef, preparing “shrimp-flavored lollipops” and “Twinkies au Gratin.” Thinking Billy is wrapping up, Mrs. Krupp asks for the next person to go; however, Billy is just getting started. He continues by explaining his plans to become a snail trainer, giraffe milker, gorilla masseuse, smelly pit-sniffing deodorant tester among other things. Mrs. Krupp stresses that Billy needs to make up his mind and pick his ONE career choice. Billy explains that his great grandfather, who just turned one hundred three, has been a butcher, telephone psychic, bellman…and still does not know what he wants to be. Eventually, over lunch, Billy continues thinking about his future, and finally considers becoming a great teacher, like his dear Mrs. Krupp.
This is versatile book that could be used for PK-5. The book is written in couplet form, so lessons on rhyming and poetry could be introduced by this book. After reading, a class discussion could be had about what each student would like to do in the future. Perhaps guest speakers (parents) could come in and talk about their careers. Students could write a letter to someone in the career field that they might consider and, hopefully, get a response letter. Students could even brainstorm careers that do not even exist yet, that the world needs or may soon need.
Mr. Stark
2 comments:
Great book! I had the pleasure of reading this book since the owner left it in my room. It had a very funny, creative list of all the possible professions that he could be. This would be a great book to read if you on a career unit especially if you want students to think outside the box. When I was a child I never thought I would become a computer teacher….probably because there were not any computers while I was growing up.
I wonder what Weird Al (the accordion playing comedian) would be like if he really became a teacher. Oh wait…he would be like Mr. Stark.
Mr. Starks, I like your suggestion for having students write a letter to someone in the career field they are passionate about. This is a twenty-first century activity, because it allows students to make connections to real-world experiences. Great response.
Ms.Crawford
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