(The title is by far one of my favorite sayings in math class. I think its funny because I'm black and they've studied the movement...yeah its corny)
This school year is coming to a close and it has been awfully hectic trying to close out my responsibilities at my school in order to transition to New York. I plan to make a more conscious effort to blog more frequently and fill yall in on the crazy shenanigans that happen. My post today has two different purposes. One is of course story time and the other is a reflection.
Story of course must come first....
SOOOO....I was out on Friday due to having scheduled multiple appointments so that I would not have to miss more than one day from work. SIDENOTE: Teachers missing work is more work than actually going to work so I really try to avoid it. ANYWAYS, I return back to work today to find a note that says my students were VERY loud and talkative. So naturally I was livid because my students know how I feel about their actions being a reflection of me as a teacher. I have that buy in with them so they actually understand that concept. So I open my class today sharing the lovely note I received from my substitute then opened the floor for them to provide me the rationale for their behavior. Here were their responses:
1. "Well, the substitute really didn't try and control us so we just took advantage of the situation"
2. "Your instructions said we could work in partners if we needed help, so we just worked together and talked instead of worked" (ok, that one was just rude)
3. "Well, Mr. Stanley, you are a professional and you know what you are doing. So when you tell us to do something we do it. She was just a sub. We didn't think we would have to see her again" (I laughed on the inside at this one)
4. "You make math fun, she just gave us worksheets so we talked because we were bored"
5. "We know the consequences with you and with her we didn't think there would be any"
6. "You make us follow the rules and if we don't you teach us a lesson"
(there were a lot more but I can't remember nor feel like typing all of them)
After hearing their rationale, I did see their point but of course I made this a teachable moment. This new generation really has very limited respect for adults or authority. That's learned but I'm old school in that regard. I emphasized that any adult should get respect until proven they don't deserve it. So we get passed my mini sermon on respect and expected behavior for when I am absent and it truly made me reflect. My students really are well behaved. I run a tight ship and my students know exactly what is expected of them. They expect punishment for wrong doing and from their own personal testimonies students of all demographics realize that it applies to them. It hit me at that point that my students really have been getting so many of the life lessons that I have shared with them. The impact that I thought I wasn't having was actually sinking in. I've been hearing that I am the favorite amongst my teaching team which always baffled me but I do give my students paternal love and guidance. They also live for my sarcasm and sense of humor. They like that I shoot it straight and I really don't treat them like they are little kids. Seeing the disappointment in their faces because I was disappointed let me know that I was well respected and that's always my ultimate goal.
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