Second graders today are doing work in school that was unimaginable when I was seven. It’s not only the complexity of some of the things they are asked to learn that is responsible for this, but also the fact that the tools they have to work with were simply beyond our imaginations 40 years ago.
At our most recent parent/teacher conference, we were asked to bring our second grader along with us. This change in protocol had an ominous color to it; we imagined them wanting us all together when they explained why we would be asked to leave the school district. Once we discovered we were not the only parents instructed to bring their child, we felt better about it.
Midway through the conference, our son retrieved a notebook computer from the corner of the classroom, logged onto his account and showed us a PowerPoint presentation he had been working on. The kids were assigned a biographical presentation. My son chose as his subject a “famous” author. A few of the slides follow.
Biography’s don’t usually bring me to tears, but I found this one especially touching.
He found all the images on the Internet and incorporated them into his project. He is not bothered by distortion as far as I can tell. Some of the images got a little pixellated in the transition, but the most prominent distortion is the fame of his subject. Yet, we all have to make our own artistic decisions.
Speaking of distortion, some of his facts are a little off. His recollection of why he put a Christmas ornament into my mouth is incorrect: we never run out of cookies.
Also, though apparently born there, I’m not sure where Mohalkvill is. I’m pretty sure he means the Mohawk Valley, but the New York part is right, so why quibble over details.
On the other hand, the part about having been born in 19 something is absolutely correct. That’s exactly when I was born. The age is correct, and I was relieved to learn that I am still alive, a fact that is sometimes in doubt but I hope he got right.
He was not finished with the project at this time, so I’m not sure if he meant to remove the book covers from my face or do the more appropriate thing and completely paste over my head. For now, we’ll have to be content that a good portion of the unsightliness lies hidden.
Being the subject of a biography is a sobering responsibility. I have to work hard to prove I was a worthy subject. This will be difficult, as my natural inclination will be to let my new fame go to my head and to begin putting on airs.
Snoozing on the Sofa 
Glad to hear your still alive because if you were not, like alive, then this comment would have been kind of awkward.
And who knew we had so much in common, I was also born in 19 something.
It was a great year to be born.
Okay, this is frickin’ adorable. The mere fact that you are 48 & still alive is astonishing!
I know. Both of those things are hard to believe.
LOL Mohalkvill… oh I know it well. I just wasn’t aware that it was in New York—or on this planet! And my goodness, Scott, I had no idea you were born in 19! But, that was a good year. Still, your biographer is obviously in love with the facts, and you can’t argue with a second grader—especially when he’s your son.
He leaves no stone unturned when it comes to his research. Consequently, he has acquired approximate knowledge of many facts.
How lucky you are to have a relative as your biographer, gathering all those relative facts about you.
And how many other celebrities get to argue with their biographers about bed time every night?
Not many I’m sure. With so few real celebrities anymore—most celebrities are the YouTube type these days—I suspect those numbers will continue to dwindle.
Yeah, it’s getting lonely for us real celebrities.
Well first I really should get your autograph.
Second, what a treasure.
Third, you could use this material at his wedding one day if you’re still alive that is…
Yes.
Yes.
And that’s a big IF. I’ll have to check the latest edition of my biography when the time comes.
You will. I’m sure he’ll let you know.
Somebody ought to.
Maybe ask your wife?
She doesn’t like to be bothered with pointless questions.
Pointless eh?
Love it! Another blogger in the making there!
You mean because he used a bunch of images he pulled from the web without regard to copyright law?
Ha, ha! Noooo…because of his creative genius, obviously!
Oh, that too. Sure.
LOL. You got a precious kid, there. 🙂
That’s what I was thinking.
I AM HOWLING! Oh this is SO cute, SO funny, and just absolutely delightful! Power point? Are you serious? I have NO idea what that is or how to use it. I think your son did an excellent job, Scott. I LOVE his sense of style of art …. I’d say he will be going the abstract way. A little distortion, a book over a face …. well, that’s art!! This was absolutely precious!! Thank you! ❤
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Amy. It is a real treat watching his creativity develop. Who knows, maybe he’ll pick up a camera and start following your line.
With encouragement and keen observation skills on the parents’ part, a child can achieve anything they are naturally inclined to. I struggled as an adult to find “me” having no encouragement as a child. The greatest Gift you can give your boys, Scott, is to allow them to explore what it means to be their unique selves. I do believe you are up to the task. 🙂
Encouraging my children to become successful is an important part of my retirement plan.
I’m so relieved to know that you’re still alive. 😉 Kidding aside, that is really lovely … Not to mention impressive!
It was a relief to the whole family. Good thing we have somebody with the skills to find out the facts.
Best shout out ever :-). How very sweet 🙂
He can really be an awesome kid sometimes.
Yup 🙂