Happy April Fools Day!

I really wanted to do something to trick the children today, but I couldn’t think of anything that was just right. So instead, I explained to them what today was, and what sort of jokes they could try to play on each other. After I went on in great length about all the ways they could NOT play jokes, I then turned them loose to have their best shot. All day they mused over what sort of jokes they might be able to play on various people, and we also pondered what sort of terribly mean things we could do to each other if we wanted to be cruel. But by the time the day was almost spent, no one had been successfully tricked. I found it fascinating that Isaac was the most intent on wanting to play a trick. I think he’ll be ready for next year way too early for my taste.

This evening, as I was checking Isaac’s math work, I made note of several things he needed to change, and then I checked a page that was absolutely perfect! I couldn’t believe it: not one item needed any fixing. I was impressed! It was then that inspiration struck. At the bottom of the page I wrote: “This page is all wrong. You will need to re-do it. See page 19 for more information.” And then on page 19 I wrote, “April Fools! Just joking. Page 17 was perfect!” Then I called Isaac over to see what he needed to do. I showed him the first pages that needed correction, and then I turned to the final page. I pointed to my note, and he read it quietly. He immediately got defensive and asked what was wrong with it. I pointed to the direction to see the next page, and I even turned the page for him. He read the next note, and then got rather upset. I burst out laughing.

“That’s not funny!”, he said.

“Yes it is!”, I replied

Then Laura wanted to know what I was laughing about, and Isaac hollered, “Nothing!” He was rather peeved at me, but I was insistent that it was a wonderful joke.

Every time I think about it, I have to smile again. I’m hoping that eventually Isaac will smile again too.

So, what fun things did you do for April Fools Day?