Quote:
Originally Posted by readingrules12
I worked primary grades (although not 1st grade), and for over a decade I was the only male teacher there. It was funny to hear them say, "Mommy, I have a boy teacher."
There is appropriate and inappropriate. It sounds like you basically know where the line is. Side hugs initiated by the student are appropriate. Bear hugs are never appropriate. Teacher initiated hugs, in general, are not appropriate. High fives are appropriate.
I don't think it is wrong to have some fun in the classroom with them if it is related to the instruction. I think humor can be a great thing that helps students relax and then get back to work. Don't feel like you have to be serious. If they take too long stopping laughing, then practice showing how to stop. Tell them that you know a secret. If they put their tongue to the top of their mouth, it will stop them from laughing. (I know this because I teach 5th grade, and some of my students can be funny at times, and sometimes I know it is better not to laugh.)
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Ah, interesting insights, thanks for sharing.
I do like to have fun, sometimes I feel like I have to watch my jokes because they can go on (as in, the students laughing going on and on) and it's a domino effect. I haven't taught laughing for a bit and then "life goes on." I could do that.
Funny you wrote what you did b/c Friday one student asked me why I looked so serious. I responded lightheartedly "Because sometimes some of the students drive me crazy." Perhaps not the most professional comment ever, but a very raw and honest moment. Thing is, she was one of those "some students." I think she knew full well, too, lol.
Thanks for the tongue to the roof of the mouth tip. I like it. I can have my kids practice that, b/c I do have gigglers who don't know when to stop.
BTW, I have one girl who playfully says things like "Daddy" "Squeak!" (she acts like a mouse sometimes) and "NO" when I ask her to do something. I usually give her a look and that sets her right. Daddy thing is definitely not appropriate. The others aren't as well, but I have to remember these kids are 6 and not robots. Though it's pretty obvious she says things to me she wouldn't say to another teacher (i.e. high comfort level with me; I bet she probably sees me like her uncle. She def. reminds me of one of my nieces). Again, kind of a gray disrespectful line with the "NO!" (a "soft" exclamation kind of no) response she does, but she means well.
What can I do, tell her to never say no and if she does, make her change her card?
Gotta pick your battles. I guess some teachers would be offended if their student goes "NO!" for fun and on purpose, but she gets the work done and is an above average student. Let the kid be 6 years old, lol. I got much bigger fish to fry.
As long as she doesn't call me daddy, I'm cool
