If a child in my class asks me, "Have you ever smoked marijuana?" how should I answer? I have smoked it many, many times. Should I lie and say "no"? I can't say yes, because I'll get myself in trouble, and if I say, "That's none of your business," well then I'm giving myself away a bit aren't I? This is not just about smoking pot. I am often naively asked questions that I can't answer without creating controversy. I hate lying, but these children aren't ready to process the complexities of many controversial topics.
2007-08-30 17:23:49 · 9 answers · asked by uncle 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
It depends how old the students are. By saying "children", I'm assuming it's middle school or younger, right? Lie. They don't need to get more confused than usual and go running to their parents saying that their teacher is a pothead. If it's high school, I imagine they can handle that though. So, tell the truth, but make it a point that you wouldn't recommend it or whatever.
2007-08-30 17:28:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can say "That's none of your business" in ways that don't ignite ahas. Say, "That's not relevant to the subject." Or "We can talk about that some other time."
Be very vague, say "Maybe I have maybe I haven't, but I wouldn't tell you either way." That's pretty neutral.
Or, make the question more impersonal by saying, "Doing drugs of any kind is a bad idea, you guys, don't do it." That wouldn't completely change the subject, but it might take the spotlight off of you.
Hope this helped, good luck in class tomorrow!
2007-08-31 00:30:24 · answer #2 · answered by Katy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, although it's tough there is a big need to set boundaries. You can be their ally, their role model, but not student's best buddies. My students know for example not to ask me how old I am, or about my personal life. I explain to them that if there is anything I want to share, I will share, and they have the same respect of privacy. Personal issues are exactly that: personal. I'm guessing that even controversial issues are personal. That's at least how I present it to my students.
2007-08-31 00:29:09 · answer #3 · answered by imthing2 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's always... "I tried it when I was younger." But I do advise against Bill Clinton's "I didn't inhale" response.
Also, I don't think I'd answer any questions like that inside class time. Now, if someone was seriously interested in those kinds of questions, they could meet with you outside class to talk.
2007-08-31 00:28:49 · answer #4 · answered by Peggy K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you need to just say no i haven't and say but i have had many friends and someone very close to me who has, so i would know quit abit about the subject, make it clear that you know alot about it but make it as if you have experienced it through a friend or family member rather then yourself, i hope this helps and this was actually a good question on yahoo for once =] good luck and i hope this has helped you
2007-08-31 00:33:38 · answer #5 · answered by Chelsea S 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it's both honest and realistic to say, "There are certain things that I can't discuss in class, because of my job as a teacher, " and leave it at that.
2007-08-31 00:28:17 · answer #6 · answered by embroidery fan 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I'd tell them you plead the 5th. Then I'd start to teach them about constitution of the United States, then I would go into the patriot act!! LOL!!!:)
2007-08-31 00:30:26 · answer #7 · answered by Shawnee 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
they know the answer but you must lie.
2007-08-31 00:27:24 · answer #8 · answered by caribou pour l'insurrection 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
"No, I never did smoke pot but I saw your mother shooting crack just yesterday"
2007-08-31 00:26:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 6⤋