Bad Kids
I've come to a realisation.
I think I like the naughty kids best. Fair enough, at the two schools I've worked at, we haven't got any with really severe behaviour problems, and the ones with problems aren't in my classes. But I've got a few who can be trouble if they want to.
And I like them. I think it's because they show more character than the quiet ones. Obviously the quiet girls have personality of their own, but if they don't talk to me I can't get to know and like them so much, can I? I quite admire the kids with a rebellious streak, because I never really had one. At least these guys know what they stand for. I love the guilty expression when I bust them doing something they shouldn't be, it's so funny.
And if I overhear them described as "Not a nice boy at all" or "He's horrible" or "She's the most spiteful child", I can't help but feel a bit sorry for them. Obviously teachers can't force themselves to like every single individual they meet, but dammit, I'm going to give it my best when it comes to kids in my class, because if they can tell I don't even like them - why should they do any work for me?
I always thought I'd relate better to kids that reminded me of myself - quiet, smart, loves anything creative. And I do, but the cheeky ones are just a bit easier to get to know. And they're not bad kids.
I must never, ever let any of them see when their antics amuse me, however. That's the kiss of death to my career.
I think I like the naughty kids best. Fair enough, at the two schools I've worked at, we haven't got any with really severe behaviour problems, and the ones with problems aren't in my classes. But I've got a few who can be trouble if they want to.
And I like them. I think it's because they show more character than the quiet ones. Obviously the quiet girls have personality of their own, but if they don't talk to me I can't get to know and like them so much, can I? I quite admire the kids with a rebellious streak, because I never really had one. At least these guys know what they stand for. I love the guilty expression when I bust them doing something they shouldn't be, it's so funny.
And if I overhear them described as "Not a nice boy at all" or "He's horrible" or "She's the most spiteful child", I can't help but feel a bit sorry for them. Obviously teachers can't force themselves to like every single individual they meet, but dammit, I'm going to give it my best when it comes to kids in my class, because if they can tell I don't even like them - why should they do any work for me?
I always thought I'd relate better to kids that reminded me of myself - quiet, smart, loves anything creative. And I do, but the cheeky ones are just a bit easier to get to know. And they're not bad kids.
I must never, ever let any of them see when their antics amuse me, however. That's the kiss of death to my career.