the omniscience of teachers

I happened to be in the room during music class today, and the music teacher was giving a lesson on memorizing the lines and spaces on a staff. My kids are capable of memorizing them, but they do not yet understand mnemonic devices. Unfortunately, the music teacher far overestimated their capabilities. The conversation went something like this:

Music Teacher: I have a great way to memorize the lines on the staff! It goes like this: Elvis's Guitar Broke Down Friday.

 Students: Who was Elvis?

MT: He was a famous singer.

S: What happened to his guitar?

MT: It just broke down. Maybe it lost a string.

S: What did he do then?

MT: I'm sure he fixed it.

S (in great awe):  How do you know so much?

MT: Well, I just learned it...(then, realizing what had happened)...It didn't actually happen. His guitar didn't actually break down.

S: Oh. Did something else happen to him?

MT: No. Anyway, let's get back.....

Good thing she didn't tell them that Elvis was dead! That would have really raised some questions! I love that line, though: How do you know so much?