The Environmentalist

Friday night, amidst the chaos that is dinner preparation and hand washing for said dinner, I let the kitchen sink faucet run a little too long. Leo was standing on the stool in front of the sink, looking all over for a dish towel (he accepts only cloth, no paper towels).

He then pointed to the running water and said to me, clear as a bell: “Earth Day.”

At first I couldn’t quite believe what I’d heard. I made him repeat it several times. I was so impressed by the connection he’d made. I know they recently completed an extensive unit on Earth Day and the environment at school. Looks like he’s buying all the propaganda they’re selling (KIDDING!).


Here's a worksheet where I'm guessing Leo learned his "lesson." Note the heavy use of yellow (which you'll recall is his favorite color/obsession). Shall we consider this Leo's "yellow period?"

I wrote a note to Mrs. L about Leo’s observation—I thought she’d like to know that her lessons are being taken to heart. Here is her reply:

“He is keeping all of us on our toes. He's been complaining to me that the faucet in one of the bathrooms we use has usually been left dripping when we come in to use it. He takes it very seriously! I have to remember to tell the custodian that it needs to be fixed. We have been talking about turning off the lights when we leave a room as well so be prepared!”

Well, we've been warned.