How to Maintain Respect

As a teacher there is a certain amount of respect the students have to have for you. You have to function in a leadership role and they need to know you mean business. Without it kids stop listening and quit doing their work. At times this requires keeping some things secret. For example, when introducing myself I didn't tell them one of my favorite activities is playing with Nerf guns. Today I had to suppress the urge to do some major stomping in this thing.

I mean look at it, doesn't it just beg to be jumped in. And there it was just sitting there, right outside the cafeteria. I bet I could have jumped so hard the water would have splashed above my head. Alas, I decided it was best to restrain. Maybe because I did not have a change of shoes or clothes, and possibly because I was required to tell the students to stay out of the water. Succumbing to the temptation would have made me a hypocrite. (By the way you will probably be hearing more about "Don't be a Kid" rules) This one fits under that category, except I think it is a "Don't be a fun and exciting human being rule." I mean really, who does not want to do a little hopping in this puddle?

Gosh, If they knew the sacrifices I make so they can respect me as a professional and continue to learn.

The Adventures of 2nd Grade Bethany.

These are the Chronicles (probably somewhat infrequent) of my life as a Second Grade teacher. A few somethings you should know. Elementary school was the roughest part of my learning career. I was stressed, had stomach and head aches all the time, and didn't always deal well with things. I also loved every minute of it. I thought I had overcome all my childhood woes when I entered middle and high school, but now that I am back roaming the halls of I realize they did not leave. They just prefer (and thrive in) the busy, happy, sometimes smelly habitat that is elementary school. Enjoy the jokes, vague rants, and strange happenings as you step into the life of Little Bethany.