A Language Magnet

Had to take Tyke to his first private trumpet lesson today at the esteemed music school of the local University. On the way, he remembered that there was a Hartford area "magnet school" on the campus, and asked me to remind him what a magnet school was. I said it was a school that attracts students from a wide local area because it focuses on particular strengths--such as a classical school or an arts school or a technology school.

After a brief thoughtful moment, he recalled that our family had discussed magnet schools last night, but had also explained how universities are also famous for certain strengths. We had named some and given examples.

Suddenly he said, "What's that magnet school?" He did not give any more hints about what he was driving at. "Lemony something?"

Lemony. All I could think of was a series of books we'd read by the author with the pseudonym Lemony Snicket. I said, "Uh, Lemony Snicket?"

Tyke: NOOO, Mom! Lemony . . . it's citrus something . . . something!

Mom: What are you talking about?

Tyke: Oh, it's like, like . . . Melanie Collins!

Mom: WHAAATTTT!!!

Tyke: Oh, I know . . . Carnival . . . Carnegie something.

Mom: CARNEGIE MELLON!

Tyke: It's a melon, not a lemon. Yeah. A magnet school for technology.

That's Tyke. Creative associationist. Thinking well outside the box. Future applicant to the citrus magnet university for technology.