Did I come down way too hard?
Did I nit-pick?
Did I strike unfairly or
Was I justified?
Sometimes all it takes is one
Person to confirm your thoughts,
That it was wrong the way
That person acted in your class.
You’re justified,
So take a breath
And never fear that you are bad.
I sometimes worry that I am picking on a student. Sometimes we get off on the wrong foot and it can be easy to think that person is bad for the rest of their lives. So it really is relieving to hear someone say that you were justified in your actions.
I have one student who is really disruptive and I sent her to another room because I just couldn’t teach with her in my own. She made out that I was rude and picking on her and I questioned myself for a moment.
However, when the other teacher brought her back for a restorative conversation she was pretty shocked about this student’s attitude.
It was really helpful to hear this other teacher talk to the student, and also to know that I was justified in my actions. Sometimes it just takes one person to tell you that you are doing things right and you stop feeling like you are horrible or that you are doing things wrong.
I guess this is applicable in so many areas in life. To hear that you are doing OK is all that is needed to push you onwards.
Much Love
Rachel xx
Margot Kinberg
It’s very easy to second-guess yourself, Rachel, especially if you are a parent or a teacher. I think it comes with the territory. But you have the right to a peaceful, productive classroom atmosphere. More to the point, your students have that right. I’m glad that other teacher worked with you so that you could see that you were right to set boundaries.
clcouch123
I’m glad your peer affirmed your call. I hope things work out for the student, regarding whatever might be wrong. Your classroom needs to be a constructive place.