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Be Pleasant, Like a Friend

I walked into a room full of angst and gloom Assignments not done books left at home Said to myself Be pleasant, like a friend 'Coz if you are mean the day will dead-end Sure enough, wasn't gruff Kids breathed a sigh of relief Apologized and promised to turn over a new leaf If you've ever taught before You know that won't happen But this much I'm sure there's truth in its wrapping -- You set the tone for every class you teach So, be pleasant, be friendly and for God's sake ~ don't preach

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Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 3/10/2021 1:59:00 PM

Ah, so you're a teacher! A worthy calling, Gershon, though children don't always mind their teachers. The best teachers always did behave in a friendly manner, but you still have to draw a line between teacher and student to maintain order in class. You offer some great advice for other teachers! Hugs, Carolyn

Gershon Wolf
Date: 3/10/2021 5:01:00 PM

Maybe I had an angel watching over me; things just seemed to work out for me as a teacher (now retired). Somehow, with all my goofy ideas in class, the kids understood that I was still the teacher -- even though I was secretly one of them. Thanks, Carolyn. Take good care, Gershon

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/10/2021 10:23:00 AM

Reminded me of when i was at work, Id ask staff to carry out tasks and never had a problem. Bawling and shouting gets you nowhere. Tom

Gershon Wolf
Date: 3/10/2021 4:56:00 PM

Right you are, Tom: Calm, cool and collected; pleasant and friendly. That's what people want. Plus consistency. Cheers, Gershon

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 3/10/2021 6:51:00 AM

Oh so true! I had to fill in for the preschool teacher. Drama was going on on the home front, between teen son and dad. For a couple hours I had to choose other people’s kids and put on a smile. God is counting on you to be wise and everything turned out fine. You are a wonder, dear poet! A gift.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 3/10/2021 4:48:00 PM

Thanks for sharing your experience, Kim. Filling in for another teacher is never easy, but esp. tough with preschoolers. If you have 22 kids, you've got 22 different classrooms, truth be told. My hat's off to you! Way to go!... And thank you for your kind words. Very nice of you. Kids and Kindness, Gershon

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 3/9/2021 7:36:00 PM

I think the best teachers I've had followed that lesson, to encourage you to want to try your best, instead of just criticizing, (which can make eyes glaze over in an instant) - you must be a very effective teacher!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 3/9/2021 7:41:00 PM

Very kind of you... I think my classrooms were 'magic places' for the most part. I was lucky. I always got the greatest students! Now retired, I'm satisfied that I 'left it all' in the classroom. Thank you, Michelle. Appreciated, Gershon