School days, school days…no matter where you attended, you’ll recognize many of these one-liners as memories of your Teachers’ favorite verbalizations. Some of these phrases served as daily mantras, while others; well, seem to fit a specific need or person. Then there are those that tell us exactly how long it’s been.

Having taught myself I know how easy and functional it is to rely on clichés and words requiring little explanation which falls into the category, “you understood”. They worked. Teachers needn’t offer Freudian Analysis for why they worked, nor did teachers need parents’ permission in writing to use the verbiage. The neatest thing, however; was they communicated a message as planned as Thanksgiving dinner and as complete.

Thinking back on some directions or commands teachers give can be pretty hilarious when they are taken out of context of the school environment and some may actually have become indelible as we recall years later. Some of these one-liners may tickle a funny bone, strike a nerve or simply remind us of our own, Miss. Watson.

Most memorable one…..“Single file-no talking”

“Keep Your Hands to Yourself”

“Where is Your Gym Suit?”

First Day of School – Writing assignment….. “What You Did Over Summer Vacation?”

Sign in library “Use The Dewey Decimal System”

“You’ll just have to hold it!”

“Go to the Principal’s Office…remember the one that’s our PAL”

“Remember your money on Thursday to buy stamps (collecting).”

“Take out your Weekly Reader”.

(In gym class) “Grab a penne”

“Keep your eyes on your paper” (Yuk)

“Board Washers may start now”

“If You Bring in Cookies, bring enough for everybody”

“Who wants to get the movie projector?”

“I said, Look at me when I’m speaking to you”

“I said, You’ll just have to hold it!”

“Use a hankie”

And my personal favorite…

“Who said that?”