Good morning, loves. This morning's 2nd grade writing prompt is: What is something you would like to learn more about?

Bitches, what is something *you'd* like to learn more about?

For me, I would like to learn about the effect of early-age electronic usage on the development of fine motor skills of pre-schoolers when manipulating tools used primarily in school. Such as scissors, crayons, pencils, etc and how those effects affect a student's fine motor skill development. And also, handwriting. Where's Debet? I might need an OT for this.

This prompt brought to you by "Why the eff can't 2nd graders cut in a straight line? It's gotta be the Pokemon Go."

It's because they don't get taught cursive any more.

I dunno, Tom. I don't think they even started teaching us cursive until second grade or later. For some reason, the second semester of second grade is what's pinging my memories.

eta: I'm sure that varies school system by school system, though. And I'm talking 50 years ago now.

Some schools do teach cursive still - both my kids had it in 3rd grade.

Yeah, cursive was typically a third grade start back in the days of yore when I went to school with Cain and Abel. Those guys were dicks. (My kiddos are starting cursive at the beginning of second semester. I'm excited.)

But the lack of cutting ability in my room is crazy cakes! I don't get it!

Also, it's pencil pouch audit day. Ugh. Give me strength.

it's pencil pouch audit day.

I don't know what this is, but the name delights me.

But the lack of cutting ability in my room is crazy cakes! I don't get it!

Do they have to use the kids safety scissors? I was never good with those. OK, still can't cut with those. If they use real ones, I got nothing. Would also like to know what a pencil pouch audit entails.

I'm still terrible with scissors. I need to know what a pencil pouch audit is. I've missed you, Empress!

I'd also like to know why ltc was up early again today.

pencil pouch audit

I don't know what this is, but the name delights me.

So, in an effort to curb my kiddos from running round with complaints of, "I don't have [insert school supply, usually writing implement here]!!" I gave them each a pencil pouch this year with 3 pencils, a highlighter, a blue ink pen, a glue stick, a pair of scissors, a pink eraser, a pack of Post-Its, a dry-erase marker, and a box of crayons.

Once a week, they audit their bags. They have a spreadsheet they fill out stating what quantity of each item they *should* have, how many they *actually* have, and how many they need from me.

Each item they need replacing, like magic, comes with a price. such as cleaning trash on the playground, wiping tables in the cafeteria, etc. And they do not have the option of going without. These are tools they need to be successful and they have to figure out how to replace them. They are not allowed to bring replacements from home.

I do have a bin of "orphan" materials that they can dig into - stuff dropped and left on the floor. And I will replace things as they are used up - the glue, pencils that get too small.

I say "Ugh" but in actuality - I love it. It's teaching them responsibility, keeping track of their shit, economics, work ethic, etc. It's pretty sweet and I'm pretty proud of it.