If you are a teacher, someone who works with kids, or someone who works with human beings in general, you know there are those students who are difficult to work with. It is a matter of life.
The important thing is that we work with them.
Don't give up on them.
And whatever you do, don't stop looking at and for the good in them.
Because when you see that goodness it can brighten your day tremendously.
I've had rough days with my students. I really have, but they are MY students and WE work together.
So teachers have rewards systems right? Right.
Well one of my many rewards systems is item based, the students get items in return for good behavior...the length of the good behavior determines the size of the prize.
I saw a broken half of one of those prizes being used by another student: one not on this particular rewards system...My kind and loving self immediately assumed the student had shared their prize...but I asked to be sure...
Well I had a short conversation with my student about the prize and of course they denied sharing (because let's be honest sharing just isn't "cool"). They asked why I wanted to know. My response what that if they had shared it would be a very nice thing and that would be very cool of them.
So we moved on with our lesson as usual...and a few minutes later...quietly and quickly my student said that they shared it.
I WAS SO EXCITED...but of course I tried really hard not to show it...too much excitement just isn't cool...and I praised this student for doing such a good thing...
That moment reminded me that underneath the "too cool" exterior lies a sweet little kid trying to find their way in the world: a vulnerable human being who needs to be loved.
It is so important not to focus too much on the poor behavior of the students. I know this is a struggle, I know it is difficult, but it is so, so, so, so, important for our children. These moments are our opportunities to show the students how much we care about them. It is our opportunity to give our students some praise: to let them hear the words "good job" ABOUT SOMETHING THAT THEY DID.
It gives them something to be proud of...even if they keep it a secret...
