Yesterday I was talking to another teacher about the play. Then someone reminded me that three years ago on the Saturday night of the play, I was in the ER with kidney stones. I told her the kids performed, cleaned up, and visited me in the hospital, all with no adult in charge. High School students are great. And stories like this remind me why I teach. People are so critical of teenagers. Yes, there are some who make me want to pull my hair out, but I am reminded daily about the best part of teaching, which is observing the good in teenagers.
Example 1:
I witnessed an exchange between two sisters. The younger one ran up to her older sister, with a new gym bag in her hands. "And it even has my name on it," she said. "I know," said the older sister. "I bought it for you." A heartwarming moment of sisterly love. It still exists.
Example 2:
I brought a pan of pumpkin bars to my Tribes class (who love eating). They devoured the pan, but were full of "thank you" and "these are delicious" comments. And smiles. Oh yes, teenagers still smile AND have manners (and like to eat).
Example 3:
I walked into school with my hands full. I tried to open the door and a young man came and opened the door for me and offered to help carry my load. Yes. More manners.
Example 4:
I put the chairs up in my classroom at the end of every day so the custodian can sweep. One day, several chairs were left down and a student stayed and put them up for me. Not necessary, but appreciated.
Example 5:
I overheard a girl tell another girl that she looked really nice. Might seem like a small thing, but everyone likes to hear compliments, no matter how small, if they are told with sincerity. It probably made her day; I know if someone said something like that to me I would feel good.
Example 6:
We have a group of high school students who have volunteered to be mentors to some elementary students. There's no pay involved. They just WANT to do it. They will be helping shape the lives of these children. They will be positive role models. And they do it selflessly.
Example 7:
In one of my classes, a boy sharpens his pencil in the middle of me talking. A classmate reminds him that he could have waited until I was done and that he was being impolite. A reminder that sometimes comments from peers are more effective than comments from adults. And sometimes teenagers get tired of the disrespectful behavior too.
Example 8:
My freshmen just finished reading stories about characters who have voids in their lives; something is missing. They are now working on projects connecting to their lives and listing what is missing in teenager's lives and how to fill the voids. Of course some have the expected money, sleep, friends. But others have dug deeper and have put things like respect from parents, self esteem, feeling wanted, Jesus, people who care, friends who are real, manners, self control.....Some deep thinking.
I could go on and on. I am daily reminded that teenagers have a lot to offer. And if you look around, you'll see the same thing.
Example 1:
I witnessed an exchange between two sisters. The younger one ran up to her older sister, with a new gym bag in her hands. "And it even has my name on it," she said. "I know," said the older sister. "I bought it for you." A heartwarming moment of sisterly love. It still exists.
Example 2:
I brought a pan of pumpkin bars to my Tribes class (who love eating). They devoured the pan, but were full of "thank you" and "these are delicious" comments. And smiles. Oh yes, teenagers still smile AND have manners (and like to eat).
Example 3:
I walked into school with my hands full. I tried to open the door and a young man came and opened the door for me and offered to help carry my load. Yes. More manners.
Example 4:
I put the chairs up in my classroom at the end of every day so the custodian can sweep. One day, several chairs were left down and a student stayed and put them up for me. Not necessary, but appreciated.
Example 5:
I overheard a girl tell another girl that she looked really nice. Might seem like a small thing, but everyone likes to hear compliments, no matter how small, if they are told with sincerity. It probably made her day; I know if someone said something like that to me I would feel good.
Example 6:
We have a group of high school students who have volunteered to be mentors to some elementary students. There's no pay involved. They just WANT to do it. They will be helping shape the lives of these children. They will be positive role models. And they do it selflessly.
Example 7:
In one of my classes, a boy sharpens his pencil in the middle of me talking. A classmate reminds him that he could have waited until I was done and that he was being impolite. A reminder that sometimes comments from peers are more effective than comments from adults. And sometimes teenagers get tired of the disrespectful behavior too.
Example 8:
My freshmen just finished reading stories about characters who have voids in their lives; something is missing. They are now working on projects connecting to their lives and listing what is missing in teenager's lives and how to fill the voids. Of course some have the expected money, sleep, friends. But others have dug deeper and have put things like respect from parents, self esteem, feeling wanted, Jesus, people who care, friends who are real, manners, self control.....Some deep thinking.
I could go on and on. I am daily reminded that teenagers have a lot to offer. And if you look around, you'll see the same thing.