Well I have to get something out of my system.
In addition to my studies I coach kids of every grade at a learning aid institute. We're located in Austria (German=main language) and I teach German, English, Latin and sometimes Ancient Greek and Math.
I rather like working with the kids, after all they're not stupid they're just lazy and mostly start to get it if I explain properly.
BUT
there's of course that occasional troublemaker who doesn't only refuse to work but also surprises you with knowledge which makes you wanna explode.
Yesterday I had such a case again.
The loud-mouthed boy (second year of junior high)wrote the following "English" sentences (no context - just single examples)
Quote:
Im 2 kats an 1 rabit.
Im 1 sister.
The man go the dog the House.
The big dog sed.
...
|
Now for the solution. What he meant with these sentences was:
Quote:
I've got two cats and a rabbit.
I've got a sister.
The man takes the dog home.
The big dog is sad.
|
Now as this kid has passed first grade (which is when English starts in our country) I could only assume that he was provoking me. After all who could be that inept! But talking to his former coaches I found out that he supposedly writes like this all the time and refuses to learn how it's done correctly. I was shocked especially because some all too well-meaning teacher had given this boy Ds on tests and had not flunked him. Now there's a boy in second grade who can't even say "I've got a sister".
BWAAAAAH - If you excuse me. I have to take some valerian before I become demented.
[ 09-04-2003, 04:03 AM: Message edited by: Faceman ]