Today I got on to some of my tenth graders with a straight face but when I got back to what I was doing I could not stop from smiling! How do I prevent that?? Its like I can't control those muscles or something!
2006-09-05 14:11:13 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Some people are getting the wrong idea by this question...so let me clear it up. I don't smile because I'm laughing at them or that I think its funny...I smile because its new, its something I'm not used to doing. So it sounds different for me to be getting on to people, its a new experience. I don't have control over the smiling...its not because I'm unprofessional...I'm very professional, and when I do get on to them they need it. It just makes me smile uncontrollably because its different to hear myself as an authority figure!
2006-09-05 14:22:45 · update #1
OMG I do that too! And I have taught for 10 years. And sometimes they do make you laugh... just because it is funny does not mean that they should not be disciplined. A 2 year old may do something funny and make you chuckle... but you still have to set them straight.
But yes, sometimes after I scold them I just have to grin... they tell me I am evil lol. I just shake my head at them and tell them that the smile indicates that I still like them, I just need them to change some of their behavior.
Try to turn to the board sometimes. Take a deep breath. Don't worry about it though. It happens. I am very professional in my job. There is nothing wrong with being kind while you correct them... it is just all in how you look at it!
2006-09-05 16:04:16 · answer #1 · answered by Melanie L 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Based on your clarification, it sounds like you just need more practice with discipline. Get used to being the authority figure, and eventually you'll be trying to control your sighs of exasperation, instead of your smiles at the surrealness of it all.
In the meantime, if students catch you smiling, just explain it. Opening up a little doesn't diminish your authority at all, but it can humanize you and guard against misinterpretations.
2006-09-05 16:09:44 · answer #2 · answered by Graythebruce 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep your lips pressed together and breathe slowly through the nose. It usually works, but it really depends on the situation. I've always found biting the inside of my cheek helps too, but becareful not to bite too hard. Currently I am teaching in a federal prison, so it is fairly easy to keep a straight face, as I never know what could set a student off. ;-)
2006-09-05 14:20:58 · answer #3 · answered by ohderek 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes when I think I'm about to smile I go to my desk or turn my back, like if I am that dissapointed and shake my head or I cover myself with my hand as I am shaking my head to show dissaproval when in fact I want to smile. Other body movement will get the attention away from your facial expression.
2006-09-05 16:11:38 · answer #4 · answered by x_y_z_012 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps a dose of empathy and a dash of professionalism may assist in reminding you that you are in the position of educator...not juvenile. That or become a dominatrix instead of an instructor.
Just a suggestion...
2006-09-05 14:15:40 · answer #5 · answered by ☽☮★♥ Alphα Fєmmє Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well I don't mean to sound harsh but you'd just best get used to it. You ARE the authority. Stop grinning, you're going to have parents screaming their heads off at you.
2006-09-05 14:28:39 · answer #6 · answered by Layla Clapton 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You must love your job. Wish you had been there to teach my 2 kids. They would have loved and appreciated you. Both out of high school now and on to jr college.
2006-09-05 14:14:15 · answer #7 · answered by happydawg 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ha Ha. I work with kids. I can relate. Don't worry about it!
2006-09-05 14:18:04 · answer #8 · answered by stuckinamoment 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Lol, i would love to have you as a teacher... keep it up, if they don't want to learn see if you can transfer or something
2006-09-05 14:13:54 · answer #9 · answered by diamondspine 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Grit your teeth!
2006-09-05 15:42:46 · answer #10 · answered by Alone again 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋