In my meager defense, this conversation took place during a study hall while I was probably answering email, grading papers, and planning lessons simultaneously.
Sweet male student age 13: (shyly) Uh, Ms. Kaufman what do you want for Christmas?
Me: (grouchily) I’m Jewish!
Student: Ok, for Hanukah then? (Ok, at this point it should be clear the student is asking because he wants to get me a gift. But I’m so distracted, I think he’s just making holiday conversation)
Me: Oh, I don’t know I told my in-laws maybe a massage or something.
Student: Uh…..do you like coffee?
Me: No, I don’t do caffeine.
Student: Oh
Several minutes later I figured out why he was asking and turned beet red and managed to stammer out that I liked tea and books and homemade cards best of all. Clueless, fabulously clueless.
Ideas In Things 