When Chloe and my kids whine about things, they need a little attention for whatever reason. They need a little stroking. They need to know I care. If they don't get the attention, they will do something that gets my attention. Usually, not something good....
Repetition of routines until everyone gets it down--yep, even high schoolers need repetition of routines. They need the "this is how we do things in Mrs. Day's room" modeling. So does Chloe---then she knows what to expect.
Along with repetition, they need consistency. They need to know if they do something well, this happens. If they are "naughty", this happens. The rules don't change from one day to the next.
They get bored, though. If you don't mix it up a little. If you don't have a new "toy" to throw out there, a new way to get their attention, they get bored. And when they get bored, they get into trouble. Then we all get grumpy.
And we all need a little fun. Sometimes, we just have to put the books away and enjoy each other. We talk, we play, we laugh. This is the lesson I need to remember!
I love your connection between Chloe and your teenagers! You have to be very mindful of those slight changes in them and catch them before they get out of control. Just feed them and they will be happy.
ReplyDeleteYou make the best connections, Deb! It's great fun to run through the behaviors we take so for granted with our pets and apply them to what we do with students. I guess it's just 'animal' behavior.
ReplyDeletevery astute parallels between your dog and your students! a fun post to read!
ReplyDeleteSo true...but, in the end, it's about enjoying their company.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but think that both Chloe and those teens you work with are lucky beings. I get the feeling that a little positive attention from you goes a long way!
ReplyDeleteOur special furry loved ones teach us so much about life. Now, if only they could really talk! (Well, if they are anything like the teenagers, then maybe not.) :) Thanks for sharing Chloe and her teaching!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you mentioned that high schoolers need a repetition of routines. I'm going to be teaching grad students this summer and I have a feeling I might need to do some rep of routines even though I'm working with adult learners.
ReplyDeleteMy best,
Stacey
Deb, your thoughts and methods are true right down to the little ones I teach. I talk about modeling and consistency to the teachers I work with all the time. We all need to know what to expect, then we feel safe. There is a saying" When we want our children to ride a bike, we teach them;when we want our children to play ball game, we teach them; when we want our children to swim, we teach them; when we want our children to behave we......"
ReplyDeleteYour Chloe has such a sweet face! I like the line where you talk about both Chole and your kids needing a new toy. Your writing has such an easy flow, Deb. :)
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