I angrily whispered to one of my new students.
Stop is the title of a song by Jamelia (I have to confess that although I had often heard the song I didn’t have a clue about the singer)… anyway .. the idea for this post comes from this change of career I’m experiencing. I must admit that I’m not used to teaching teenagers; well, you can hardly call them teens as some of my students are about 12.
In a week at a high school I’ve accumulated more anecdotes than in my whole life teaching adults.
Apart from the innocent “Teacher: Do I have to draw a title?”,” Can I go to the toilet? or What-d’ye -call-him said I was an idiot”, you have the not -so -innocent teens who try to challenge the teacher’s authority to show the other classmates the extent of the power of their arrogance and bad manners. It ‘s to one of these students that ,on the second day of my new experience at a high school, I had to say in a very low voice loaded with venom…. You’d better stop!! The amazing thing is that she … because a “she” she was…. Stopped!!. It must’ve been the tone of my voice that led her to think that I wasn’t one to be played with. Anyway, too bad!
Another anecdote but on the funny side of the story is when I asked my 12-year- students to stand up, mingle and do a communicative activity and one of the shiest students in class came up to me and whispered.. “Teacher! V…. has pinched my breast!!”” What?” I asked absolutely astonished! “Yes, teacher !He has just done the same to me ! “cried another. I looked at the so called V… and he blushed and answered that he wanted to feel if they were stuffed with cotton … Gosh!! What a mightmare! What do you think? Will I survive my students ?
Anyway , this and the reference in a reading text to Jamelia gave the idea of using this song a more serious classes where they’d appreciate the structure You’d beter+ infitive, which , as you know, in used to give very strong advice. Enjoy this beautiful song and if you want to do a “fill in the blanks” exercise ( elementary/pre-intermediate students) click on the button
Thanks Karenne for your encouragement. I really need it although I might be already regretting the change
Hey Cristina,
You brought back some memories… all I can tell you really is that it gets better – go with the being the authority, often that age are looking for someone to be in charge and later relax and incorporate fun (they’ll enjoy it more once you have their respect!)
Take care — sending a hug, what a nightmare the boy and the cotton, still I guess he was just exploring the world…
K
Hi Ivan
Nice to know you’re still reading me. Yes, a whip is my shopping list this week… a whip and lots of patience
Hi Cristina!
I´m splitting my side with your post, thinking about your face in these situations.Little devils!
You maybe need to use a whip.Anyway, you have a strong personality depending the acctitude of your students so they must choose.
Good luck in the little hell! See you soon.