Don't Overshare
There is a time for honesty, and a time to keep your mouth shut. I had a teacher, sophomore year of high school, who told us about the three men she was dating, but how she liked one of them more. We (and by we, I mean my classmates - I never paid attention) knew her birthday, the car she drove, the school she went to, etc.
She was a nice person, but not the greatest teacher.
I do not give out my age to my students. I am too young, too close to their age, and I don't want to lose that respect. Recognizing my car is fine and knowing my birthday is not a problem. I also let them know the college I went to, especially because some of them want to go there.
They do know I have a boyfriend, but that is because he's come to events with me. Before that, I didn't share that information.
In the teacher's lounge even, don't talk about major home problems you may not want students to know, your sex life, your address, what you think about controversial issues (unless it's a part of the school or curriculum), or anything like that. It's worse these days with the internet - you don't want certain people to know certain things about you. Think of your students as people with the world at their fingertips.
Showing posts with label honesty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label honesty. Show all posts
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Teaching Tip #31
Be Honest
Even younger students can sense if you're not being honest with them. The older students, especially in "worse" districts, won't take any sugar-coated lies you may give them.
Let them know what the consequences will be...and follow through.
Explain to them the purpose of assignments.
For Example: "UGH! Ms. xxx, we have SO MANY quizzes in your class! Can we not?"
"Well, do you want to go to the test without knowing, without me knowing, how well you understand the material? This way I can tell if we need to go over more."
"Oh. That makes sense." *sighs* "I still don't like it."
Explain to them the actual purpose of the assignment, so that they're aware of just why you expect them to do certain work.
Let them know how they're performing in your class.
Don't bend the grades. Oh yes, they would like you to do this, but don't.
Tell them if you're having a bad day. If appropriate, let them know why. They will see you as being more human and it will help them not take it personally if you get a bit snippy with them. (Just, you know, don't get too snippy).
If you know you're going to be absent, let them know.
Even younger students can sense if you're not being honest with them. The older students, especially in "worse" districts, won't take any sugar-coated lies you may give them.
Let them know what the consequences will be...and follow through.
Explain to them the purpose of assignments.
For Example: "UGH! Ms. xxx, we have SO MANY quizzes in your class! Can we not?"
"Well, do you want to go to the test without knowing, without me knowing, how well you understand the material? This way I can tell if we need to go over more."
"Oh. That makes sense." *sighs* "I still don't like it."
Explain to them the actual purpose of the assignment, so that they're aware of just why you expect them to do certain work.
Let them know how they're performing in your class.
Don't bend the grades. Oh yes, they would like you to do this, but don't.
Tell them if you're having a bad day. If appropriate, let them know why. They will see you as being more human and it will help them not take it personally if you get a bit snippy with them. (Just, you know, don't get too snippy).
If you know you're going to be absent, let them know.
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