I understand!

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Home : 2002 : September : 12

I understand!
By Shannon M.

Yep! I felt the exact same way as soon. But the other day, my cooperating teacher had to leave the room and I was left in control of the classroom. As I was looking for a bandaid for a little girl in the class (all fourth
graders), the rest of the class thought they could get away with becoming noisy and unruly. I popped my head out of the cupboard and rather sternly said, "That doesn't sound like working quietly to me! Mrs. Neumann doesn't accept this behavior and neither do I. Now back to work."
I was surprised that I could be this... well... stern. I later went and asked one of the students if he thought

I was too "mean." He was quick to tell me no. Kids need structure and most of them like what they would call "strict" teachers. I think it was a turning point for me to realize that I could be strict and still be nice. This boosted my confidence tremendously. Give yourself a chance. Don't doom yourself before you even start!