All us Moms end up doing school projects with our kids. It's part of the package, right? Well, mine today was a little different.
You see, my 4 yr old is learning about the ocean and everything in it. He picked 2 sea creatures for us to do research on. Of course he comes back with the Portuguese name and then translates it to English for me. FYI, not always a smooth translation.
That's when we get into verbal charades. It includes a lot of hand movements, some sighs (from both of us), and him drawing pictures to help me out. From there we find the animal (an Anglerfish that the teacher called a Vampire fish). Of course we have to find photos and fun facts. That starts translation number two.
And you know what, I half-assed my kid's project and busted out Google Translate. Well, it's not entirely half-assed but more like I lack under the sea vocabulary. Why we don't talk more about algae and random fish species at dinner parties and playdates is beyond me.
So I throw it in there and then correct the obvious translation mistakes.
In some ways I find the entire process unfair. While other Moms can focus on the artsy fun part, I have to actually worry about context. Does it make sense? Is that really how you say that? Is it only me that finds conjugation of Portuguese verbs cruel and unusual punishment?
Honestly, I doubt the teacher even notices. Who would have the time with a classroom of 16 cracked-out 4 year olds?!
