9th November 2007 I accidentally called a girl a boy today, I was utterly convinced that she was a he...........my exact words were...

ME: "Okay, so how are you today Ellesse boy" ('she' was wearing an Ellesse jacket and I refer to them with what they wear as it is much easier.)

STUDENTS: "It's a girl?!"

ME:" What?"

STUDENTS: "It's a girl!" (Their English isn't very good!)

ME: "What? Really? Oh..erm"

STUDENTS: "GIRLLLL!!!"

ME: "Oh yeah, of course. What did I say?"

STUDENTS:"Boy!"

ME: "Nah, I'm just messing. Did I say that? Ah, I'm sorry. You're all boys. Erm, sorry. Yea, Ok so err what? Right , yes okay ..so you..how you feeling today? (Pointing to another victim of humiliation. Then turning to the previous victim) "You're angry right? Ha yeah I'm sure (tears possibly beginning to build up in 'her' eyes.)

So, the rest of the lesson was a bit awkward....this is the way I keep things alive in the classroom. Keep things uncertain. And let the students know that none of them are safe from my stupidity.

The students rarely understand me saying "hello", yet they can quite happily point out the fact that I accidentally called one of their fellow buddies the wrong sex.........usually if I'm not sure I just don't say either...the day had to come...it did. Whoops!