A herd of children gathered around the tarantula habitat. Something outrageous had happened. I went to feed the tarantula, stated one child, and now there are two!

Someone broke into our classroom last night and left us a black tarantula!

Why would someone do that?

Thats vandalizing! said another.

No vandalizing is when you damage something. Its not robbing, either, cause thats when someone takes something. I dont know what you call this! exclaimed another child.

The crowd turned to me. Do you think that the janitor put a tarantula in the classroom last night? someone asked.

I dont think that hed do that without telling us.

Then someone broke in! they chorused.

Hmmm. Think so? I asked. Are you sure that there was a break in? Could it have been a break out? I amused myself with my Columbo approach. I could sense some wheels beginning to turn in a few minds.

What do you know about tarantulas? I asked.

They began to regurgitate tarantula facts. Suddenly, a light went on in the attic of one mind. They shed their skin when they grow! exclaimed one child.

My point! I said with a smile. I think you discovered a break out, not a break in!