Check out this weird-ass reading passage that was recently spotted in a third grade standardized (MAP) test in Missouri. In this educational essay, the author explains that rock-paper-scissors -- allegedly called "Ching! Chang! Pok!" in China -- is an ancient game that originates from Asia. A few things immediately come to mind:
1. Seriously -- "ching chang pok"? That can't be right.
2. Does anyone find it strange that someone has actually written out detailed instructions to explain rock-paper-scissors to school children?
3. I would really like to see the corresponding reading comprehension questions that followed this passage. "What sign beats rock?"
4. I can just imagine kids taking this test, then hearing the scattered sound of little white kids chanting "Ching! Chang! Pok!" all over the playground during recess.
(Thanks, Esther.)