It is not advisable... to venture unsolicited opinions. You should spare yourself the embarrassing discovery of their exact value to your listener

"So, students, tell me the real reason that Stryver wants to propose to Lucie. What is his motivation?" I ask the bleary-eyed group.
Roger's hand shoots up in the air. He is sporting his mischievous weasel-grin. I ignore him and look for other hands. No one wants to answer. I sigh and brace myself. "Yes, Roger?"
"It's 'cause he wants her body!" he gleefully proclaims. The class erupts into giggles.
"Nice. Real nice. Anyone else want to try?" It takes at least two minutes to get everyone under control and resume the discussion about A Tale of Two Cities.
"Okay," I begin a few minutes later, "Who can tell me what the Gorgon is?"
Roger raises his hand again. "Is that like Medusa?" he asks.
"Yup. Exactly. Now what does she do?"
"Um... seduces people?" More giggles. This time Roger looks baffled. Apparently he wasn't aiming for laughs. I decide to pay him back for his earlier comment.
"Roger," I exclaim, "what's with you and sex today? A little preoccupied aren't we?"
He turns bright red, puts his head down. The class screams with laughter. Bam, sucker.

Lesson for the day: If you want to embarrass a Lutheran 8th grader, mention sex. Works like a charm.

Playing: "Thriller" Michael Jackson

Old school Lucy