Sam's Choice-Reflection Sheet

Today was a beautiful spring day. Copper and I met the boys at the bus stop after school and Nolan walked alongside me and chattered away. We got home and Sam had gotten there ahead of time and was sitting forlornly at the edge of the driveway. I walked over to him and asked him how his day went. His response was a heavy sigh. He told me I'd better check his backpack. 

Sam has had a good year. We haven't had days where I'd 'better check his backpack.'  Curiosity (and concern) got the better of me so I went inside to check said backpack.

What I found was a "Choice-Reflection Sheet" where Sam had carefully written out his transgression. 

What Happened? "I drank some water out of droppers for science." (I raised my eyebrows at this)

When that happened, what did you want? "A drink of water" (I snickered)

What will you do next time? "Ignore the dropper" 

By the time I got to the last answer, I was laughing out loud. TJ wanted to know what was funny so I showed him the  form. He also started laughing. This was just so vintage Sam. 

Sam chose this moment to walk inside. He already had a defensive look on his face and was clearly bracing himself for a lecture. He looked surprised that both TJ and I were laughing. 

Maybe that wasn't the most mature or responsible reaction on my part, but it was what Sam needed. He relaxed, smiled, and dropped the attitude. 

We then discussed how it could be disruptive to the science lesson if kids were all drinking from the droppers. We also discussed how sometimes dangerous liquids are in the droppers and it's best to never risk it by assuming it is clean water. Sam agreed that he had learned his lesson and wouldn't do it again. 

I'm still laughing over the question "what did you want?" and Sam's response of "a drink of water". He's just so matter-of-fact.