Earlier today, one of my Canadian friends posted a video-clip on Facebook. Well worth watching!
As
a retired teacher, I loved it. The teacher in the clip and I had so much in common. Even
with the going to the toilet (UK-speak for the bathroom: if it doesn't
have a bath, it isn't a bathroom!!!). In my case, I pointed out that, in their
teens, they ought to be able to exercise a certain amount of control
over their bladders; that they had regular intervals in which to attend
to such bodily functions; and, when a girl insisted that it was "that
time of the month", I let her know that I was noting the date, and that
she would not get away with that excuse for at least another four weeks!
I
also encouraged my charges to think; to consider evidence; not to be
biased. I taught them the difference between asking "Can I ...?" and
"May I ...?" - even 'though I was not their teacher of English! We had a
lot of fun in class - but they knew where I had drawn the line (and it
was I who drew it!). What did I make - I endeavoured to make
well-rounded, positive, contributory, well-mannered, members of society
The
result?! Some 80% of my Facebook contacts are former pupils - and
only at their request! Actually, I have almost 100 who have made the
request but whom I have not accepted - either because I don't recall
them or, in some cases, because I recall them only too well! I have
had pupils contact me to apologise for their deviant behaviour in my
class - indicative, I would hope of their having absorbed something
positive, even if it didn't blossom for many years. There are some with whom I meet, from time to time, for a coffee (or, in my case, usually a Green Tea!).
The
moral - for any adult who is involved with youngsters? You never know
the effect that you are having on young, impressionable, minds - so be
careful! Let them see, in you, "... whatever is true, whatever is
honourable, whatever is just, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,"
whatever is excellent, whatever is worthy of praise. (see Philippians
4:8). You will have no regrets!
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