So I stopped by Kinzville Academy today to surprise Ms. Stripes with a bunch of flowers as a thank you for being such a great client. Ms. Cowoline directed me to her class and as I waited outside for her to dismiss the kids it seemed like a very different Ms. Stripes than the one I knew was in that classroom. It sounded like Sparky dropped his hat on the floor and Ms. Stripes accused him of doing it on purpose to disrupt the class. When Sparky tried to explain that his hat fell off when he bent over to pick up his pencil, Ms. Stripes told him that for speaking back to her he was going to have to stay in for recess. Then when Nibbles tried to explain that she saw the hat fall off, Ms. Stripes told her to stay in too.
When Ms. Stripes came out and saw me, I guess the shock on my face was apparent. She invited me to come for a coffee in the staff room and explained that although she may sound tough, she has to be firm because she is new and the kids wouldn’t respect her if she wasn’t tough.
I asked Ms. Stripes if she would mind me being honest with her and she said of course not. Then I told her that I thought the kids would respect her if she treated them with respect. I said I thought that kids responded to fairness and honesty, and that if Ms. Stripes showed the kids the Ms. Stripes that Elwin and I got to know so well, the kids would be sure to respect her because she is kind and decent.
Ms. Stripes tried to explain to me that kids aren’t supposed to like their teacher and that if she is nice, they will misbehave and take advantage. Then I asked her if the kids in Miss Daisy’s class like her and how well do they behave? Ms. Stripes thought about it for a moment and then said that Miss Daisy’s kids love her AND they are the most well behaved class in the school.
I asked if Ms. Stripes thought that might have anything to do with the fact that Miss Daisy makes her lessons fun and enjoyable so that the kids actually WANT to be in her class and are engaged with learning. Ms. Stripes said that I had given her a lot to think about, but that she owed me a thank you because being so hard on the kids all the time was taking its toll on her. She felt like she wasn’t being herself.
We said goodbye then. I really hope that I got through to her. She is so nice – I wish the kids could see her as I do.
Wow! I would have been surprised to see that too! She seemed so nice before!
Right now, Ms. Stripes is not a great teacher. She is very strict, she blames students for doing things on accident, and she even keeps kids in for lunch for doing almost nothing. It is okay to be a little strict when you need to be, but Ms. Stripes is an example of just being plain mean. Hailey can really help her. She and Elwin can redecorate the room to make it warm and friendly. Hailey can even be Ms. Stripes’ assistant on days when she isn’t doing anything. Ms. Stripes can become a better teacher in no time!
Very interesting article. I wonder if Mrs. Stripes will talk to her students about her reasons for being strict in the first place?
Awww. I wasn’t sure this would end well, but it seems like it might turn out for the better. Hailey made a good point, and I’m sure Ms. Stripes will come around and the students will love her too. ~DP
Wowie :) **~**Sonici**~**
WOW! Sure wish I had more adult friends like that! And even more who listen!
That story was a great story. It taught me that teachers have to be strict. But they are nice on the inside.
Great Haily. You reached her inner side. Anyone want Lillypad Dress or witch hat? -Moonstar◙◙◙
Phew! Glad THAT”S dealt with. Good on ya Hailey!!!
Yes, I knew Ms. Stripes wasn’t saying everything, that explains a lot. Thanks Hailey , this will show the Kinz she is a good teacher :) :) :) :) ~*Mistyfoot*~