Does anyone use the phrase "I like..." in the classroom? For example, "I like how Bobby has his notebook out, is sitting up straight and eyes are on me."

Apparently, this is a controversial thing to use in the classroom??!?!?

I used it all the time to reinforce good behavior with younger children. Never thought it would be controversial.

Wait??? Why the fuck is it controversial? Is it bad for us to like things?

i’ve usually found that noticing positive behavior helps to influence others to follow directions...how is that controversial? i suppose it could be an issue if you’re always noticing the same kids...

This is what was stated to me as well as my coworkers:

When you use the words "i like" it conveys to students a message of approval. Therefore if you say "I like the way Johnny is sitting" you are in a sense stating that you don’t like how your other students are sitting therefore the students will think you don’t LIKE them.

Yea, it’s pretty effed up if you ask me. But, I wanted to know others opinions on it in case I was missing something.

Marine Baby’s Momma wrote:
This is what was stated to me as well as my coworkers:



When you use the words "i like" it conveys to students a message of approval. Therefore if you say "I like the way Johnny is sitting" you are in a sense stating that you don’t like how your other students are sitting therefore the students will think you don’t LIKE them.



Yea, it’s pretty effed up if you ask me. But, I wanted to know others opinions on it in case I was missing something.

So you can’t use negative reinforcement OR positive reinforcement? How the f**k are you supposed to get anything done???

"They" would rather you use "Thank you for sitting up straght with your eyes on me" or something to that effect.

I have a problem with this because they are telling us HOW to teach. I’m not in school anymore. I have my certificate, thank you very much. I know how to teach. I understand schools/districts giving you STRATEGIES but as far as HOW to recognize your kids as far as classroom management goes....well, that’s a bunch of crap in my opinion.

Someone please enlighten me if I’m missing something, though.

Marine Baby’s Momma wrote:
"They" would rather you use "Thank you for sitting up straght with your eyes on me" or something to that effect.



I have a problem with this because they are telling us HOW to teach. I’m not in school anymore. I have my certificate, thank you very much. I know how to teach. I understand schools/districts giving you STRATEGIES but as far as HOW to recognize your kids as far as classroom management goes....well, that’s a bunch of crap in my opinion.



Someone please enlighten me if I’m missing something, though.

Well let me explain it like this. The US has become so succesful and comfortable, that many of our citizens have become overly sensative, self-entitled pussies. That leaves the rest of us too concerned about saying the right thing (as not to offend anyone) that we fail to do the right thing, because God forbid (oh I just said God, oh no) should someone get their feelings hurt.

Totally agree. Just wanted to confirm that AZ is ass backwards...lol

Marine Baby’s Momma wrote:
Totally agree. Just wanted to confirm that AZ is ass backwards...lol

IT’s not just AZ, we see it everywhere. Seriously how well off do we need to be, that we actually have to make up shit to be offended by, also how many other countries can you think of where people pay someone to listen to there problems? I mean seriously? I was working with african immigrants a few years back, some of whom were child soldiers, and I recommended a shrink to one family, and they just couldn’t wrap their heads around the concept of someone getting paid to listen, because in most of the world, they’ll talk to their friends, family, priest, imam, or some other relation or clergy.

Of course that may be why we are saying "I like". Maybe only one child IS doing what they are supposed to be doing. All of the beaurocracy and political correctness is taking away from education. We are so busy giving childrenand more people to blame and more excuses for their failures that we are not teaching them responsibility for themselves!

It’s crazy. So, being me and knowing myself, I now want to use "I like" just because! Our reading coaches, who are actually "technology specialists" because they are not highly qualified, come into our rooms to observe our teaching and then give us feedback. When they mention my use of "I like" how should I approach it?

Should I say "I appreciate your opinion on my classroom management but what did you see during the READING component as far as teaching what I need to teach?"

Marine Baby’s Momma wrote:
It’s crazy. So, being me and knowing myself, I now want to use "I like" just because! Our reading coaches, who are actually "technology specialists" because they are not highly qualified, come into our rooms to observe our teaching and then give us feedback. When they mention my use of "I like" how should I approach it?



Should I say "I appreciate your opinion on my classroom management but what did you see during the READING component as far as teaching what I need to teach?"

Why would they do that? You’ve made it perfectly clear that you have no interest in their opinion, and that you feel vastly superior to them. It makes me wonder why they even come to your room when they could be better utilized elsewhere. I agree that PC’s a bitch, but if you have no reguard for these people then stop wasting their time.

Semper Benevolus wrote:

Marine Baby’s Momma wrote:

It’s crazy. So, being me and knowing myself, I now want to use "I like" just because! Our reading coaches, who are actually "technology specialists" because they are not highly qualified, come into our rooms to observe our teaching and then give us feedback. When they mention my use of "I like" how should I approach it?





Should I say "I appreciate your opinion on my classroom management but what did you see during the READING component as far as teaching what I need to teach?"

Why would they do that? You’ve made it perfectly clear that you have no interest in their opinion, and that you feel vastly superior to them. It makes me wonder why they even come to your room when they could be better utilized elsewhere. I agree that PC’s a bitch, but if you have no reguard for these people then stop wasting their time.

You mean I have a choice as to if they come into my room to observe based on Reading First expectations rather than if I’m a good teacher or not???? Didn’t realize that.

The only opinion I am interested in is the opinion regarding whether or not I’m doing all the Reading First expectations as far as academics is concerned. I HAVE my teaching license already, at least I am highly qualified for my position. It does make it hard when they are "under" you as far as education goes and you are supposed to be listening to them. I have my Reading Endorsement and they don’t therefore I am more highly qualified for their "reading specialist" job. Just stating facts.

What I am looking for is a professional way to tell them that I know how to teach and I know my classroom management and could they just let me know their feedback as far as Reading First curriculum goes.