stories, toys, and general respect

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2003 : February : 5

stories, toys, and general respect
By Melissa Page

You could have just written about my class/day. I had a student just today bring in a toy and want to show it. Then, all day, asked if now was a good time. I generally don't do a share day, or show and tell, however if
a student makes something special, writes a story they want to share, or has something special from an educaitonal trip, I do make an exception. I am firm on the NO TOYS rule, otherwise I would be looking at that silly pokemon stuff all day.
As for the teacher corrections, this happens to me sometimes when we are reading aloud. The worst thing is when 18 seven year olds start telling

you, no, your wrong, it says ...
I try to have a sense of humor, explain that sometimes people make mistakes, but it isn't there job to call them out. Think of how they would feel if the whole class yelled at them everytime they make a mistake. I also will sometimes appoint one person to be the only one allowed to let me know if they think I missed something, and only by raising a hand. This person is always someone I trust not to be obnoxious. I've used this technique maybe twice, and it worked for me. You may just want to explain that they are being rude by calling out, and that they should realize that as the adult/teacher, you have a plan for the things you do, and it isn't there job to tell you your plan is wrong, especially when they don't even know what it is yet. However, I do find it infuriating!
I also find stories and questions during learning time frustrating. If I find that we are headed down tangents, I ask a child if their question is about science (assuming it is time for science) and if they say no, I tell them to hold onto it. I also ask if it is a question or a story. If I can't reply with an answer, or if it starts as a story, I ask them if it is really a question. Usually they can figure out if it is a question or not, and are good about waiting. I tell them there are certain times they can ask those questions or tell me those stories, but not now. I avoid the "are we going to gym now" questions more often this way.