I always end each class period by saying, “See you tomorrow. Have a nice day!” or “Have a nice weekend!” For reasons I have never understood, however, very few students respond by wishing me a nice day or a nice weekend.
I was a teenager once, and I can still remember all of the things I wanted to accomplish and all of the friends I wanted to see during the brief 5-minute break between classes. When the bell rang to end class, I’m sure I jumped up and scooted out of the room just as fast as my students do today. I doubt I paused long enough to return greetings with my teachers.
Kids have more important things to do than to tell me good-bye at the end of class. After all of these years I should know that. I hate to admit it, but when students leave my classroom at the end of the day, it hurts my feelings when they don’t tell me good-bye.
I need to get over it!
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Edie Parrott
2 comments on this topic
19. February - 10:37 pm
I believe has less to do with you and more to do with them.
My children have had teachers and I’ve worked with teachers who made a point that each student must shake their hands or fist bump. But past fifth-grade, teachers and students have too many classes. The kids float in and out and the teachers don’t form the same relationships. A class of 20 or 30 is different than several classes of 20 or 30 in one day. And they have several teachers instead of one main teacher.
If it means something to you, stand by the door and look them in the eye as they leave. Make your own routine.
19. February - 10:41 pm
I could stand at the door, and they would indeed say good-bye, but that would be forced. I want them to WANT to tell me good-bye. It’s stupid – I know.
20. February - 7:22 am
Some kids might want to say something but are afraid that the others will think they are not cool. I have found that with kids it’s best to just enjoy what you get.