the wardrobe malfunction

a breakfast serial

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the wardrobe malfunction

October 16, 2012 at 6:00 am · Filed under stories and tagged: embarrassing moments, school, teaching

Showing off your undergarments is a personal, intensely private experience. When was the last time you tried on underwear and walked out of the dressing room to ask for an opinion? Dreamt you got to school in your skivvies just as the bell rang?

Teaching a classroom of 28 second graders can lead to some rather hectic moments. Each child is like their own individual roller coaster, twists and turns coming when you least expect them, never quite sure what is coming next. It gives yield to some amazing moments of emotion and sympathy, anger, and frustration. And that’s just from the teacher.

Caught up in a particularly passionate moment of explaining long division — you would be surprised how energized the sensation of remembering basic math can make you feel — I lost control of my eraser; it clattered to the floor. Bending down to pick it up, I realized my shirt had come untucked in the back and my pants were a little loose a moment too late. The damage was done.

Embarrassment comes in many forms, but redemption is universally sweet. As my kids left for the day, one of my students pulled me down and whispered: “It’s ok, Mr. Lowery. I like SpongeBob too.”

Photo by RLEVANS

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65 Comments»

Jorie wrote @ October 16, 2012 at 1:21 pm

Congrats on being freshly pressed! Your stories are always a joy to read.

matusguziar wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 7:09 am

A good punch line. made me giggle. ;D

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 8:09 am

Thank you, Matus, and good luck on your journey. Sounds like you have some big decisions and adventures in your near future!

originaltitle wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 7:28 am

I love the raw honesty of students! I’ve had many similar moments in the classroom, most of them revolved around me accidentally knocking something over or running into something while impassioned by a particularly great question or by a short monologue on my love for a work of art we were studying which yielded many snickers, but sometimes empathy and support too! Great post, thanks for sharing.

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 8:16 am

Working with kids is such an adventure. I (this is Jill speaking) had the privilege of teaching next door to Brennan for a couple years and witnessed many unforgettable moments. On a different note, your blog is visually stunning. I’m so happy to have discovered it!

originaltitle wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 1:32 pm

Thanks so much and thank you for taking the time to look at it! I really like the format of your blog as well and look forward to following you!

motherhoodisanart wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 7:36 am

So funny!!!

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 8:22 am

Thanks for the support, Melissa! I (Jill) just read your “about” page and laughed out loud when you described your littlest one as “completely destructive.” I played that role in my family, too 🙂 Here’s another story you might like: https://abreakfastserial.com/2012/08/30/caught-blue-handed/

Rajini Kumar wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 8:01 am

Reblogged this on Rajnie's Blog and commented:
It always is a fun being a teacher and especially to little kids. They teach us a lot in return, if we are willing to learn. 🙂

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 8:26 am

I totally agree, Rajini! Children are so full of honesty and hope — they give me a reason to see the world with fresh eyes. (from Jill)

iamtheinvisiblehand wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 9:01 am

that was so funny…kudos for taking it with a smile.

My 6 yo is all about being honest (regardless whether the outcome is flattering or insulting), so I can relate to what you’ve described.

congrats on being FP

randommango21 wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 9:01 am

That is soo cute ^_^
Congrats on Freshly Pressed! 🙂

Check out mine too?
Cheers!

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 1:48 pm

I sure will! Looks like you’ve got some writing chops! Would you consider contributing a story of your own? Here’s some ideas if you’re interested! https://abreakfastserial.com/about/upcoming-series/

howanxious wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 9:37 am

Oh! Wow… that is an amazing child, consoling the teacher. I love the incredulous nature of the kids, with no prejudice, no misconceptions.

New Heights Dance Ministry wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 9:53 am

Unfortunately people do it all the time, it’s called the beach.

sportsandthecross wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 10:24 am

Teachers always have the best stories! Thanks for sharing and congrats on being Freshly Pressed!

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 1:45 pm

I appreciate your support! I just checked out your blog and find it entirely fascinating. One of the writers for this blog (Nate) is a professional sports writer and editor. He’s also a man of a prayerful stripe. You might like this story, although it’s not specifically about faith: https://abreakfastserial.com/2012/09/07/unnecessary-roughness/

sportsandthecross wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 3:57 pm

Wow thank you!! That really means a lot! How cool, I will check that out for sure!

muddledmom wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 10:37 am

Whew. At least they were appropriate! My kids have told me about thongs their teachers wear. And tattoos in that area. I would love to hear this story after school one day! Congrats on FP!

segmation wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 11:09 am

Hopefully since they were 2nd graders they didn’t know what they were seeing?

fileyourstory wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 11:16 am

Hahaha! Such a good read. Something similar happened to me once but that person wasn’t as polite as your student >.<

Jeremy Truitt wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 11:16 am

Haha I love it. My son is in 2nd grade so I know what you’re feeling! Great post!

the wardrobe malfunction « Mostly Sane Mamas wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 11:20 am

[…] the wardrobe malfunction. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like this. […]

mgibbon2 wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 11:39 am

Congrats on being freshly pressed! I was looking for something to brighten my day and this post did the trick! Your students sound like a lot of fun, I will be back to read more of your stories!! 🙂

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 1:40 pm

Thanks for the support, Mariah! There are a bunch of other school- and kid-related posts on the site, so run a tag search and enjoy! This one is a particular favorite: https://abreakfastserial.com/2012/08/30/caught-blue-handed/

Soul Walker wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 12:21 pm

So I actually clicked over here when I saw the picture of the breakfast… apparently I’m really hungry… but this is awesome, none the less. That is hilarious.

lexy3587 wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 12:30 pm

🙂 that’s adorable

HipsterApproved.net wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 12:45 pm

I have a pair of drawers just like those!

madhaus7 wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 2:23 pm

What an ending! That’s how a nice, quick, funny blog is done.

5thingstodotoday wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 2:50 pm

I really like your blog and would love you to feature on mine, http://www.5thingstodotoday.com. All you have to do is write five suggestions along with a link back to your site. Please check out the blog and see the sort of things people have written about. Please consider following me on facebook. http://www.facebook.com/5thingstodotoday

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 9:07 pm

I’ll definitely check this out and get back to you! I’m all about blogs that make life better, and yours seems to fit that category 🙂

Jessica wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 4:10 pm

Haha what a funny and sweet thing to do! This story definitely cheered up my day.

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 20, 2012 at 7:12 pm

Glad to hear it! That’s the goal of the blog 🙂 It’s the good-morning version of a good-night story.

notedinnashville wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 4:37 pm

Well, who doesn’t like SpongeBob?!? Great post. Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed.

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 20, 2012 at 7:13 pm

Thanks Anita!

Snapfairy wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 5:01 pm

Great post! Kids are so darn cute and the main reason why I became a teacher : ) Keep up the good work!

ashanam wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 5:27 pm

A good story, well told.

iRuniBreathe wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 5:51 pm

Lovely to be reminded that we are all human, and like the same things, whatever our age.
Congrats on the FP!
Cheers,
iRuniBreathe

raw milk marathon wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 6:28 pm

love it, thanks for sharing!

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 9:04 pm

Hi Jane! Your blog is so sweet and beautiful. I wish you and your husband (and the kitties!) all the best.

Grumpa Joe wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 7:03 pm

Bloomer hilarious.

the second serving wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 7:12 pm

A story that can only be real because how would you ever make that up!! Too funny. Being able to laugh at yourself during moments of serious humiliation is definitely important.. Well done

mboke wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 7:21 pm

lol… the damage has done and you are freshly press. *check my undergarment. Oh it’s not spongebob day but patrick’s

amphomma wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 8:19 pm

As mommy to a third-grade boy, I can imagine the class’ reactions. How clever and sympathetic of one of your students to try to help you feel better about it! I enjoyed the way that you told the story with simplicity and humor, and with just the right ending. I look forward to reading more of this blog!

Micah wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 9:15 pm

First of all, congratulations on being featured on Freshly Pressed! Second, thank you for sharing – definitely worth starting the day right with a smile. 🙂 I think this is adorable. 🙂

Cafe wrote @ October 17, 2012 at 10:06 pm

Awww! That is so sweet! And hey, nothing wrong with having a little fun with your undergarments =P

SaqibReports wrote @ October 18, 2012 at 3:50 am

So will this bring about any changed to the wardrobe? 😉

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 18, 2012 at 11:31 am

Haha! Knowing Brennan, it’s more likely he’ll bust out the whole cast — Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs…

groovylove wrote @ October 18, 2012 at 5:26 am

Love it!!! Thanks for sharing your unfortunate moment, and giving us all a good laugh. And congrats on being Freshly Pressed!!

bublibeauty wrote @ October 18, 2012 at 7:04 am

Amazing . loved it . thank u for sharing

Malkire wrote @ October 18, 2012 at 8:20 am

As a fellow teacher I can totally relate. One of my favorite stories is that of a friend who teaches in pre-k. A student asked, “When do you grow hair under your arms?” My friend responded with an age appropriate and thoughtful answer and the little student responded, “I can see your underarm hair.” Got to love the honesty that children provide! Teaching is such a joy and those moments bring humor and reflection to the job

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 18, 2012 at 11:29 am

Haha! I can think of at least a few students who would point that out. Sometimes I wish adults would be as honest, but I suppose it only really works in the context of well-meaning innocence 🙂

ladyandsons wrote @ October 18, 2012 at 8:54 am

Enjoyed your story

kthorpe wrote @ October 18, 2012 at 4:00 pm

Ha! LOVED this 😀

w3bmoon wrote @ October 18, 2012 at 5:33 pm

nice

bravesmartbold wrote @ October 18, 2012 at 7:39 pm

Look at you!!!!! Freshly Pressed and on my favorite subject. I’ve also spent the last few days with my son’s teachers trying to apologize for his constant movement while still wondering how they expect him to sit still like an adult. I’m glad you haven’t forgotten how to be a kid. It makes a great teacher.

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 20, 2012 at 8:57 pm

I hold a special place in my heart for you because you started reading (and have been SO loyal!) long before I got pressed. Thanks for sticking with our stories, and for contributing to such a strong blogging community!

bravesmartbold wrote @ October 21, 2012 at 2:53 pm

It was easy. You write so well.

TheWordpressGhost wrote @ October 19, 2012 at 3:49 am

Kids can be a breath of fresh air.

Congrats on freshly pressed.

Hope to read more soon, stop by and chat at my site.

ghost.

thelittlethoughtsthatmatter wrote @ October 19, 2012 at 3:51 am

omg! hilarious 😀

thelittlethoughtsthatmatter wrote @ October 19, 2012 at 3:51 am

and am so surely sharing on my fb 😀

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 20, 2012 at 8:55 pm

Thanks for the support, Sara!

Washington, DC wrote @ October 19, 2012 at 7:42 am

Children have a way of making you feel so special. Like the concept of this blog.

brookenado wrote @ October 20, 2012 at 4:00 pm

This just made my day, thanks for sharing such a great story! A well deserved Freshly Pressed, congrats.

Oh, and I’ll admit…I like Spongebob, too! 🙂

abreakfastserial wrote @ October 20, 2012 at 9:01 pm

Thank you very much! Good luck in your studies!

a breakfast serial