I love my students. They are smart and funny but sometimes they are still just kids.  Last week given the unseasonably warm weather we were having, I decided to introduce the idea of an Indian Summer to my kids knowing full well that in Bulgaria there's a similar saying: Gypsy Summer.

So I used the word in context.

Then I asked them if they understood the phrase. Lots of heads shook yes.

There was a pause and one of the students said. We have the same thing. It's um, a, <em>um</em>, Roma Summer.

Classmates pause. Everyone looks at each other. Then at me.

We talk about how in this case it's probably okay to say Gypsy Summer using Indian Summer as another example of why is probably alright to say Gypsy Summer in English.  Generally, I urge kids to be a politically correct as possible in class.  I believe that it's a good habit to be in but sometimes it doesn't make sense.

This of course leads to moments like this one--part translation, part experience and part youth.

It's funny the lessons students pay attention to and how they try to apply them.  But then again, that why I heart these kids so much.

Oh, I also heart the weather we've been having. It's so much better than the cold rainy weather of two weeks ago. But you know what's the worst? Good weather and having to grade essays.