Postcards

The other night, a few days before you were due to go back to school to start Year 4, we were chatting at the dinner table about the need to speak up so teachers would know how smart you are.

You see, you're super loud and outgoing at home, but we know you're quieter at school – especially in lessons – and we're worried teachers may not be seeing the best at you.

So we were chatting about the need to put up your hand, reassuring you that no, it wasn't “showing off” to let the teacher know that you knew the answer (and even if it was, so what...)

Anyway, you responded: “I do put my hand up! In fact I did it today in History!”

“Oh good! What happened?”

“Well the teacher was talking about King William who fought at the Battle of Hastings, and she wanted to know what his other name was...”

“And you knew?”

“Yes Dad!”, you replied proudly, “I put my hand up and told her.... 'William the Bastard'”

Mum and I looked at each other trying not to laugh. You smiled broadly, knowing it was a bit naughty.

By the way, it turns out it's true!

We were still laughing about it hours later.

You told me you'd found this out in a YouTube video, and told me a story of how a king had snuck out of his castle, past the guard, claiming he was visiting a tannery, and that there was some lady there who wasn't his wife, and well.. you can fill in the gaps.

All I can think about is your teacher, expecting to get the answer “William the Conqueror” and receiving “William the Bastard” instead. I can see her polite reaction, and wonder how she handled it, and what she must have said when she got back to the staff room later...

And hey, I found the YouTube video you must have watched.

So funny...

Love you, Dad.