I was telling someone the other day about not smiling till Christmas. It was given by my grandmother who had taught for forty years almost, and who was I to argue with that? Plus she intimidated me, too. I was the bitchiest of bitches and then I relaxed and it felt so good. I just wish I’d had done that sooner. Teaching is like walking a tightrope. In high heels. You have to have that balance or you’ll break a leg-or a heart.
I heard that advice from my mother, who is a language and study skills teacher (and who couldn't stop smiling at kids if you paid her overtime!). She heard it during her training in the 70s, I believe. Something of a corollary to that advice, though, is to articulate high expectations / firm class rules / give out a daunting syllabus / assign a "tough" essay the first week or the first day... what do you think of that?
I was telling someone the other day about not smiling till Christmas. It was given by my grandmother who had taught for forty years almost, and who was I to argue with that? Plus she intimidated me, too. I was the bitchiest of bitches and then I relaxed and it felt so good. I just wish I’d had done that sooner. Teaching is like walking a tightrope. In high heels. You have to have that balance or you’ll break a leg-or a heart.
I heard that advice from my mother, who is a language and study skills teacher (and who couldn't stop smiling at kids if you paid her overtime!). She heard it during her training in the 70s, I believe. Something of a corollary to that advice, though, is to articulate high expectations / firm class rules / give out a daunting syllabus / assign a "tough" essay the first week or the first day... what do you think of that?