This is obviously my favorite chapter of the book….not because I am the eternal prankster and love to have fun, but what Ron Clark says is so incredibly true. He writes: “When dealing with kids, it’s a good idea to attempt to see things from their vantage point and find humor and understanding from their mistakes and embarrassing moments. It’s all about putting things in perspective and realizing that minor frustrations and annoyances that can come from children aren’t worth getting worked up over and making a mountain out of a molehill” (p. 167). How many times have we heard that molehill analogy? Well, I sure have….the whole time I was growing up, my parents would tell me this. As annoyed as I would get with my parents, I know that they were teaching me to not be so uptight about things - to help me “see the humor in mistakes and difficult situations” (p. 169). When I was teaching I also tried to impart this lesson to my students; I wanted them to have fun in my class while they learned. Oftentimes, I would sprinkle lots of personal stories and lessons in my teachings so that I could grasp their attention and use these personal messages as a springboard for my academic content. Then, we would go on to discuss great works of literature, like Macbeth or The Heart of Darkness - not too humorous to discuss - but we would find the irony in the works and characters. With my own children, I live by this chapter’s message, too. Having a 10-year-old and a 4-year-old will help keep things in perspective for us. What is important to me at the time may not be the most important thing to my sons. So, I have to keep my vantage point on their level and focus on what is important in their lives. By doing this, we share a common bond and laugh a lot in our house. Ron reminded me, “When dealing with them, we need to be reminded of what we were like at their age, and how strong the emotions can be, and how the view of the world is completely different….” (p. 172). Now that is a powerful realization for most parents and for some teachers, too.
One of the great things about our school is that humor abounds everywhere. We are all quick to laugh - sometimes at each other….we laugh with the children and teach them to find humor in difficult situations. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes, we just can’t see it yet. But, it takes teamwork to find that silver lining, and that is the power of our grade level teams and the leadership of our team leaders. I look forward to having more fun this upcoming school year. I wonder what kind of pie I will get pied with this year? May I recommend peach filling, Mrs. Thrall?
On to Chapter 9…Common Sense….We are almost finished with our book study and blogging. How do you plan to incorporate this book in your class? How will you keep this momentum going?
Peach filling…perhaps with whipped cream on top?
Mrs. Catoe is right WE do have alot of fun at DME. Don’t get me wrong, we work hard and are “super focused” on our mission. However, we don’t take it so seriously, that we can’t laugh at ourselves or share a laugh with our students and/or colleagues.
I am naturally clumsy, as any of my former students and can atest too, so there are many times when I laugh at myself during the day - from stumping my toe to having lunch in my lap. Children need to know that it’s OK to make mistakes. I remind them daily that I AM NOT perfect and that we all make mistakes. If it’s an important mistake you learn from it and move on, perhaps you can even laugh at the mistake.
I loved his idea of putting faces on the worksheets. I just might try this one. Look out for my picture coming soon…maybe even on the body of a butterfly! Hey, I always dreamed I could fly…
Chapter 8 Humor, now that is right up my alley, I am a bit of a goof, partially because that is just me and partially because I do believe it breaks tension, makes people feel comfortable and included, and gains the attention and interest of our students. I agree that humor integrated throughout a day can take the fear of being too serious or strict down an appropriate notch while still preserving the objectives and learning to be gained. Humor can really break up a long day or a tough lesson, re-energizing and revitalizing the class as well as myself to complete the day productively. Ron points out that “getting students to put forth effort and achieve at the highest levels” is often accomplished through the integration of humor and the effect it has on the entire classroom.
I really like how Ron told stories about his own embarrassing moments and how rather than become angry or serious or whatever, he allowed the students to see his mistakes and laugh them off, together, this does build a bond with the students and I believe it gains respect, as they can relate to you as a human being, you are real to them and know what it is like to experience embarrassment or failure, which gives them hope, you can overcome and be successful, and so can they, it is a choice. I think all of this also helps students to see when humor/laughing is appropriate and when it is not, so that they are more sensitive to others. Humor helps us all enjoy being in the learning environment and desire to be involved and give our best efforts. I love to see the faces of the students when I get goofy to solidify a concept we are working on, it’s the best!!
~Teri~