As a beginning teacher, giving instruction or direction to a classroom full of young children can never be taken for granted. One quickly learns that this is one of the most frustrating, yet amusing aspects of teaching:
Teacher says, “Ok, everyone, line up please.”
Student interpretation: Run, push and shove anyone that is in my way to get a spot as close to the front of the line as possible.
Teacher says, “Time to tidy up for the end of the day, please go put your homework in your backpacks.”
Student interpretation: Shove any piece of loose leaf paper I see to the very back of my desk and run, push and shove anyone that is in my way to the cloakroom.
Teacher says, “Johnny, you really need to remember our classroom rules.”
Student interpretation: My teacher is yelling at me because she just doesn’t like me today.
Instructing and managing little children is like walking across a rushing river on slippery stone. You must have a clear vision of where you are going and be very careful in your execution.
From Portfolio of Narrative Inquiry, CCFI 508, 2014