Secret Teacher Powers:

[Bucky]

I can draw a single line with a pencil and determine if it's a #2 pencil or not.

I'm also a font of obscure trivia about American history. For instance, did you know that if you hit a student, you can be fired from teaching American history?

[kentauros]

1. My sister told me of the universal hand gesture, as used in "A Christmas Story":

Hand out, palm up, firm face. For when a student is playing with something not allowed in the classroom :)

I'll have to ask her if she has that power with the pencil lead. Drafters can tell lead-hardness easily, too. Ever used a 9H pencil? I think I still have my first one. It'll never wear out! :P

[HopeHoops]

2. My wife still gets mileage out of "I can tell you how many fingers I'm holding up behind my head."

Most kindergarten students just don't get the "magic" behind that trick.