I always laugh when I hear my words coming out of my kids' mouths.
But it makes me stop and think.
Think that I need to choose my words carefully.
When I first saw this quote, it hit me hard. There are some things I would love to take back.
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| source: gchimani1964 |
Sometimes, I get it right.
Last week one of my little guys looked at me and said
- I have a conundrum. And that's a little problem, and I can solve it easily.
Another little chap, who understands anxiety was having a hard time with something. He called out to me
-What is that you always say about problems - something about there's no problems too big to be solved.
Hallelujah - they do listen to me - occasionally!
Tammy from Forever in First had the brilliant idea of holding a linky party for the things that we always say to our kids.
I have a few classroom/life mantras that have developed over the years.
Every single person in the room has something to contribute to the class, and something that they can teach others. Every single person in the room has the responsibility and privilege of learning new things. When someone asks for help, I ask them if they have asked the teacher next to them. I am the tallest teacher in the class. And the tallest learner.
I figure that it is part of my responsibility to demonstrate, teach and expect polite manners. It is not polite to hunt for and take the biggest piece of brownie on the plate. It is not polite to yell out that you need the red freezie. It is polite, when you are offered something, to say either "yes please" or "no thank you". I find that my ears are kind of unusual; when a child says, "I want purple", my ears tend to hear "no thank you". Funny that.
No one is perfect. We all mess up every once in a while. Even when we are trying our best. And when we are learning something new, we are going to make mistakes. That's okay. It's one way that we learn. We try not to make the same mistakes every day. That's the learning part.
What life/classroom mantras do you hope become part of your children's inner voice?
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ReplyDeleteLove your quotes! :) I also agree that manners are important and it's amazing how quickly they seem to learn them when it's a priority. I also love how we all mistakes-even the teacher sometimes (especially when she's writing very fast on the Smartboard :)!
ReplyDeleteNotJustChild'sPlay
Even teachers (and moms and dads) are allowed to make mistakes. 'Cause we are learning too!
Deletesandi
I love your quotes, especially "we are allowed to make mistakes." My kids are often so hard on themselves; this is a great reminder for them!
ReplyDeleteMary Kate
Windy City Learning
Permission to make mistakes gets me out of a lot of jams. A secondary class mantra is - it's a good thing we are allowed to make mistakes!
DeleteSandi
Sandi, thank you so much for taking the time to join my linky. Your mantras are great. I love the message you send about being teachers and learners. It's a great thing when they can teach each other. Thanks again!
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
Kids teaching kids is so empowering - for both parties.
DeleteSandi
Great quotes, Sandi! Especially about making mistakes. I think children need to see that we make mistakes too and that it is okay. :)
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Permission to make mistakes gets me out of a lot of jams. A secondary class mantra is - it's a good thing we are allowed to make mistakes!
DeleteSandi
Sometimes I hear your words coming out of my mouth... It weirds me out =P
ReplyDeleteI guess they became part of your inner voice! Sorry for the things that I wish I didn't say - hopefully other more positive messages work to drown them out. Love you.
DeleteMum
Love your quotes, Sandi!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to pin them and make posters for my room.
I can't think of any of my own right now ... just too darn tired:)