Thursday, March 23, 2006
Pieces of Light
The last couple days in class have been very trying as far as discipline go
es. I am almost exclusively subbing for the Junior High School in my district, which, although many subs refuse to put themselves through the harrowing day that a Junior High Class can be, I seem to find an almost pleasurable torture in accepting these jobs and fulfilling "THE PLAN".
Yesterday's class was an utter abomination. It was as if the kids were making me pay for every substitute that had ever tortured them. Today, there was only one class period that was like that, and the rest were, though not golden, great kids. Both of the classes were English, one was seventh grade, the other eighth.
I am getting the reputation among the students as a "nice" sub, and many of the students not only stop and "discuss life" with me, but I also get the occasional hug. Perhaps it's because I often (but not always) "let them get away with" certain things that I feel are silly details. In a day when we are worried about drugs and guns in school, I don't give them a referral for detention or suspension for gum-chewing. I'm sorry. That's just, plain stupidity! I DO, however, remind them that the school policy is "yadda, yadda, yadda" and that once they exit the classroom, they are to remember that not everyone is as lenient as I am. It is important to note, also, that in return for these "freedoms", I require my students to do as I ask. Although many still push the envelope beyond belief, most comply. This is not to say that I don't have my bad days, because I do. Sometimes they are completely useless days that create a desire in me to throw up my hands and crawl home to my nice, comfy bed. For the most part, though, I really enjoy this age group. I think I've gone completely insane.
What makes it all worthwhile for me are those moments when I can recognize a glimmer in an eye, even if it's just one eye in the classroom, of something more than impishness. When I see that glint of "AHA!"; that sparkle of understanding from a student, then I know that I have just witnessed a life-change. Every piece of knowledge that a kid gets changes them in some way, and when we allow them to understand good, positive things, they are changed for the better. Seeing that "AHA!" in them means that this little piece of "light" they've just been given, will never be forgotten.
es. I am almost exclusively subbing for the Junior High School in my district, which, although many subs refuse to put themselves through the harrowing day that a Junior High Class can be, I seem to find an almost pleasurable torture in accepting these jobs and fulfilling "THE PLAN".Yesterday's class was an utter abomination. It was as if the kids were making me pay for every substitute that had ever tortured them. Today, there was only one class period that was like that, and the rest were, though not golden, great kids. Both of the classes were English, one was seventh grade, the other eighth.
I am getting the reputation among the students as a "nice" sub, and many of the students not only stop and "discuss life" with me, but I also get the occasional hug. Perhaps it's because I often (but not always) "let them get away with" certain things that I feel are silly details. In a day when we are worried about drugs and guns in school, I don't give them a referral for detention or suspension for gum-chewing. I'm sorry. That's just, plain stupidity! I DO, however, remind them that the school policy is "yadda, yadda, yadda" and that once they exit the classroom, they are to remember that not everyone is as lenient as I am. It is important to note, also, that in return for these "freedoms", I require my students to do as I ask. Although many still push the envelope beyond belief, most comply. This is not to say that I don't have my bad days, because I do. Sometimes they are completely useless days that create a desire in me to throw up my hands and crawl home to my nice, comfy bed. For the most part, though, I really enjoy this age group. I think I've gone completely insane.
What makes it all worthwhile for me are those moments when I can recognize a glimmer in an eye, even if it's just one eye in the classroom, of something more than impishness. When I see that glint of "AHA!"; that sparkle of understanding from a student, then I know that I have just witnessed a life-change. Every piece of knowledge that a kid gets changes them in some way, and when we allow them to understand good, positive things, they are changed for the better. Seeing that "AHA!" in them means that this little piece of "light" they've just been given, will never be forgotten.
