(a Betta fish, in this case)

10. While practicing democracy, when the class was allowed to vote on names (suggested by classmates), the runners up are Rosy, Blue, and Kim. (It’s a blue fish. Not sure how Rosy was such a popular vote.) The winning name- King.*
9. The kids ask daily, “Is it a girl fish or a boy fish?” and are not satisfied with “whichever you want.” Even after being declared a boy fish, the students still take a daily, independent vote when they think teacher is not watching.
8. If teacher forgets to say, “Good Morning, King” after announcements, she is quickly reminded by at least two volunteers.
6. While building Classroom Community and practicing the delicate arts of complimenting, one child requests to give King a compliment. Said request granted, and ten more hands shoot up into the air. (The class appears to think King’s strengths include being a good swimmer and a good friend)
5. While playing Name Bingo during same said Community Time, students request to know why King’s name is missing from the Bingo cards containing the class roster.
4. At the end of the day, students are encouraged to remember the day’s activities and finish the sentence, “I had a great day because…..” Everyday, one student will wave hand enthusiastically and when called on, (by a teacher thinking, “Oh! They really had a great day for some reason! I must be a great teacher!”) will ask to go see King for a minute. Another hand up. Eventual mass exodus by class to fish bowl as they wait for their bus to be called.
3. The aforesaid Exodus to the fish bowl is the only time the shyest student in class will actually raise his hand to ask a question. Imagine a child who says very little all day whispering, “May I go see the fish?” with bright and hopeful eyes.
2. During silent reading time, students request to read to King. By some strange miracle from heaven, the fish actually swims to the edge of the bowl to look at the pictures as the kids turn the pages.
1. And finally, the #1 Reason you know your classroom is too attached to their pet:
On the way to the bus ramp last Friday, the students were very concerned that their teacher was leaving King alone for the WHOLE WEEKEND with NO FOOD. Stories of pet fish deaths ineveitably to follow throughout the remainder of the five minute bus ramp walk.

*The rejected fish name suggestions that nobody voted for except the one kid who thought of it: Becca, Rebecca (two friends suggesting names one after another here), Nemo and Roofoos.