i've been teaching percents for the past week to my students. and they get it! one of my special students, that has trouble understanding most of the time, is one of the kids that's helping others in her class. she is just as excited as i am that this stuff makes sense to her.
one day last week, she came to me after class and said 'miss, i don't like the way you treat me. you make me feel like i'm stupid because i say the right answer and you keep wanting me to explain stuff. you act like i'm dumb or somethin'
this time, i swallow the sarcasm that is eager to seize the opportunity, and embrace the chance for positive reinforcement. i tell her 'i'm sorry. and i'm sorry for making it seem like you're dumb. (this is hard!) you're not dumb and i definitely don't think that about you. i'm really glad that this is making sense to you and that you are even helping other people understand. i'm proud of you. and the reason i ask you to explain...well, just know that i'm always going to ask why so that i know that you know what you're talkin about'
as i say speak these words, her face brightens up and i realize just how much power i have in my students' lives. when teachers make their students feel small, we aren't doing anything new for them. try to be original and give a compliment every once in a while! i know sarcasm and wit might be our forte, but it really has no place in this profession.
now that girl has been coming to class more often. when i ask the class questions, she's always volunteering to show her work on the board. all i had to do was say 'you're not dumb...i'm proud of you' a pretty small price to pay for someone's confidence to be boosted...
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