How you know you're dealin w/ teens

luckyluvr

I've had 2 of my 14 yr. old female students ask me in the last 2 days if the baby is a guy or a girl. A guy! That cracks me up. You expect "boy or girl?", but guy! Love the age.

firefightersgal

How about: They think they can just refuse to do things.

I had a student today tell me that he hates speech class.  I told him that he'd have to deal, because he'll have to take it in college, too.  He told me that he'd just refuse to take it.  Sure, buddy.  We'll see how that works out for you when you want your diploma.

luckyluvr

I agree their attitudes suck sometimes. Sounds like you're dealing with some beauties. He doesn't like speech, maybe he should put duct tape over his mouth since speech is talking. That would kill him.

firefightersgal

I had one class that was full of trouble makers today.  I knew when they walked in that it was going to be that way.  (I've had them in other classes several times before).  One kid in particular was a huge pain to me.  He doesn't like me because I've gotten on him before and I don't let him slide like other subs probably do.  I hate having to tell them to turn around and pay attention to directions--they are in high school for goodness sake.

I'm so glad I changed my major to elementary ed!

luckyluvr

There is an upside to teaching teenagers, though. You can say things to them that would make the little ones cry. I literally tell my kids to shut up sometimes. They know I'm serious at that point. I can't imagine saying that to little ones. Plus, with the older kids, I remind them that they're old enough to want responsibility, so they're old enough to handle things themselves, like grades and getting work in. I lectured my frosh the other day about not having their moms and dads hold their hands anymore. I get tired of parent phone calls over missing assignments.