Submitted by Claudia Toback (not verified) on February 22, 2008 - 08:07.
As a teacher, I stressed the social graces. Basically, it is the accepted mores that we expect our students to have in order to become successful adults. Asking students to use terms, such as please and thank you, was not easy. Having students apologize for using obscene language in the classroom was another challenge. My strategy was to tell the student that s/he was to apologize to me, as a LADY, for having to hear the term rather than to directly apologize to the other student. Students would then be made aware that certain words and/or actions are inappropriate in social settings, especially if others are present. I realized that this was a successful strategy when my students used it in similar circumstances.
In the video, I noticed a number of boys were wearing hats in the classroom. Was this acceptable in their schools? I know that in NYC schools, wearing of hats or other nonreligious head apparel is not permitted.
In the future, I think that showing a classroom scene with a complement of 30+ students, as is the norm in many urban classrooms, would be beneficial. Also, be aware that for some students, touching others could be discomforting or even against their religious practices. In NYC schools, teachers should refrain from physical contact with any student unless it is to protect himself/herself or damage to property. Too many teachers have been brought up on charges of "corporal" punishment because they tried to physically intervene. And, as a victim of physical and verbal assaults, I know how powerless a teacher can feel, especially little or no administrative support.
Social and emotional intelligence
Submitted by Claudia Toback (not verified) on February 22, 2008 - 08:07.
As a teacher, I stressed the social graces. Basically, it is the accepted mores that we expect our students to have in order to become successful adults. Asking students to use terms, such as please and thank you, was not easy. Having students apologize for using obscene language in the classroom was another challenge. My strategy was to tell the student that s/he was to apologize to me, as a LADY, for having to hear the term rather than to directly apologize to the other student. Students would then be made aware that certain words and/or actions are inappropriate in social settings, especially if others are present. I realized that this was a successful strategy when my students used it in similar circumstances.
In the video, I noticed a number of boys were wearing hats in the classroom. Was this acceptable in their schools? I know that in NYC schools, wearing of hats or other nonreligious head apparel is not permitted.
In the future, I think that showing a classroom scene with a complement of 30+ students, as is the norm in many urban classrooms, would be beneficial. Also, be aware that for some students, touching others could be discomforting or even against their religious practices. In NYC schools, teachers should refrain from physical contact with any student unless it is to protect himself/herself or damage to property. Too many teachers have been brought up on charges of "corporal" punishment because they tried to physically intervene. And, as a victim of physical and verbal assaults, I know how powerless a teacher can feel, especially little or no administrative support.