The other day as I was clearing out some old papers, I found some blog posts that I'd never posted. I wrote them down with the intent of putting them on the blog, but then... I suppose something more interesting happened that week. That's my only guess.
I heard the distinctive clatter, rhythmic and regular. I didn't have to see it to know what it was.
"Could you please put the Tech Deck away?"
Ten minutes later, I heard it again. I went to confiscate.
"You told me to put it away. I did. You didn't say how long to put it away for."
Semantics. Really?
"Besides, you said 'can' and 'please'. So it was more of a request..."
So, because I was polite and didn't bark it out, he was going to continue playing with his toy? Deep sigh.
I clarified my position on toys in the classroom, especially when there was actual work to complete. I "offered" to keep the toy so he wouldn't be tempted to pull it out again.
Freshmen. *shakes head*
(I do tend towards polite in the classroom. I find "please" and "thank you" as good ways to show students respect.)
That's true to show them respect and if you show them respect, hopefully they will show you respect back. My step granddaughter is a freshman this year. I would love to be a little bug on the wall and see how her days are going.
ReplyDeletebetty
manner and kindness can go a long ways.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
Hi Liz - theoretically they'll learn from you ... and remember at some stage. Let's hope ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteSemantics of course. That's their best line of defense. It's like asking them to empty the dishes from the dishwasher. And for sure they will only empty the dishes and leave the pots, flatware and glasses.
ReplyDeleteYoung man far too clever for his own good.
ReplyDeleteThey think they are. Little do they realize that's how to get an honorable mention in my note ;)
DeleteWow, this is the first time I heard a student pulling semantics on a teacher. Usually it's the other way around.
ReplyDeleteOnly the 500,000th time (I'm counting I'm glad I didn't become a teacher. You have no idea how many times I was told, growing up, that I should be a teacher. It was of the few "acceptable" fields for a female in the 50's. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteYup, that or nurse. I'm glad there are more options. Of course, these make for interesting stories :)
DeleteIt is a matter of the kid trying to see just how far he can take something. Pointing out that you did this or said this and basically in a polite way being a smart ass. Sorry...sometimes kids try my patience.
ReplyDeleteYup, that's exactly what it is. And then I write him up and kick him out, and he wails, "But I didn't doooo anything wroooong..."
DeleteHe sounds like a lawyer in the making.
ReplyDeleteYikes! What a trial.
ReplyDeleteCan be.
DeleteGood for you. A Tech Deck?
ReplyDeleteFinger skateboard. They were huge when I worked for the evil toy store, so I was shocked that they had made a resurgence.
DeleteAh, the children! :D
ReplyDeleteYup.
DeleteI have a kid like that. I swear she should be a lawyer, but instead she wants to be an engineer. The Tech Deck actually looks really cool.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised you haven't seen them before. Your kiddos are about the right age. But girls. I don't know why the boys have the Tech Decks, because girls could totally play with them, too.
DeleteGotta chuckle at kids like that. They can be ingenious at times.
ReplyDeleteThat's one word for it. Not the word I'd choose...
DeleteSo I bet he is going to be a lawyer in the future
ReplyDeleteThis was a couple years ago. He might already be in school for it ;)
DeleteCrazy. I believe they would have been confiscated, when I was in school.
ReplyDeleteConfiscation is often more trouble than it is worth. For me. Depends on the situation.
Delete