On Mistaken Identity....

In my 7th grade study hall....

Me: "Katie, Ellie, and Sara--stop talking and get something to work on! Joel--you need to sit DOWN!"

(they do so...keep working)

(5 minutes later)

Me: "Joel! Didn't I just tell you to sit down. First, you're over there (point to seat in back right corner) and now you're over there (point to middle left row). Pick a seat and stay in it."

Joel: "Sorry." (sits in his chair)

(kids come in and go out to library as passes become available)

Me: (I look up and check on students. Scanning the room, I have the nagging feeling that something is not right....my brain is trying to catch up to my feeling when I realize what it is) "Um. Hello. I just realized that I have made a big mistake. I have been calling you (point to Joel) and you (point to other Joel) both Joel. One of you is clearly NOT Joel. Would the real Joel please stand up?"

Joel #1: "I'm Joel. He's Braden."

Joel #2: "What? No, he's not! I'm Joel, and he's Braden!"

The rest of the students: (were watching this unfold silently, but now explode) "Hahahaha yeah, he's Joel! He's Joel! No, he's Joel!"

Me: "ERMAGHERD! Which one of you is really Joel?! And how could you have let me keep calling you the wrong name all this time?"

Joel: "Because it was funny."

Me: "Oh my god. This is ridiculous."

Really Sweet Girl: "Ms. Sefcik, he's Joel. And he's Braden."

Me: "Thank you."

Braden: "Noooo, I really want you to call me Joel."

Me: "How happy is it going to make you if I keep calling you Joel?"

Braden: "REALLY happy!"

Me: "Okay, Joel, go sit down."

Braden/Joel: :) :) :) :)