Half a Whale

Today in Kindergarten I read aloud the story of Humphrey, the humpback whale who took a wrong turn and swam up the Sacramento River a few years back. This is a nice story and the kids tend to enjoy it very much.

But first, we have to discuss why this is such a big deal that Humphrey ended up in a river instead of out in the open sea where he belonged.

So, we were discussing what we knew about whales prior to actually reading the story. Most of the kids have little background knowledge about oceans and the animals in them.

Alex raised his hand and announced that he could eat a whale. Without missing a beat, I replied, "No, you can't" and called on another student.

But Alex will not be so easily trifled with - he folded his arms and said, "Yes! I can!"
Before I could reply, Genevieve folded her arms indignantly and said to Alex, "No, Alex, you can't eat a whale."

Alex whirled around to face Genevieve and argue that yes, he could indeed eat a whale.

Genevieve, who has clearly had enough of Alex for this school year and next, shook her head. Her eyes were wide and she leaned forward for emphasis.

"Alex! You cannot eat a whale!"

Alex, equally convinced now that surely he CAN eat whale, shot back, "Yes. I can!"

Genevieve huffed out her breath and rolled her big brown eyes enough to simulate a seizure.
"Alex. Listen. You. Can. NOT. eat. a. whale. It. is. too. BIG!!"

Alex shook his head wearily.

"Yes, I can. I cut it in half!"


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