Rounding Numbers And Grounding Kids

(I’m in geometry. We are talking about exact definitions and how important they are to geometry.)

Teacher: “I’m going to tell you a story about when I was a teen. One time, I went out with my friends. I asked my parents how late I was allowed to stay out. They said 12:00. I asked if I could come home at quarter of 12. They were shocked, and said yes. I came home around 2:30.”

(Several students, including myself, begin wondering where this is going.)

Teacher: “They were mad. I said ‘What? You said I could be home at quarter of 12.’ The response was ‘IT’S 2:30!’ I responded ‘Yeah, quarter of 12. What is one-fourth of 12?’

(Everyone in the class realizes the trick he played. We stare in awe.)

Me: “Did it work?”

Teacher: “Once. Feel free to try it; just don’t tell them it was me who taught you.”