These Secondary Boys Have a Good Point

Today I heard a consistent answer to the request of: "Please do your work."

Although I must admit that I didn't literally ask many students to "do your work" as it is rarely immediately effective by itself.

Instead I pointed out to one Year 9 boy that he would most likely prefer to look at pictures of Mustangs on the internet at home and do his assignment in class, than look at cars in class and have to end up doing his assignment as homework. (ie: Do your assignment).

And I pointed out to a Year 12 boy that he didn't need the laptop for his practice assessment task, and he should finish the task first and then use the laptop for his research. (ie: Do your practice assessment task).

And I pointed out to some Year 7 boys (is it always boys?) that they should probably have their workbooks open if they were to write some answers out for the revision questions. (ie: Do your revision questions).

And I am sure there are other things I said along a similar vein...but in each of these cases the boys all replied with the same response: "Good point".

And then they changed their behaviour to begin the set tasks.

I thought nothing of the phrase until I realised how many times I was hearing it, and how consistently it was being followed by the desired response.

"Good point, Miss. Good point."

A simple phrase, but one that allowed the student to switch from less desirable behaviour to what they should be doing without having to argue, be embarrassed, or feel negative or discouraged from having been redirected.

The phrase is so simple, and it was delivered so simply each time, that it allowed something that could have become an issue or a battle of wills to become gracefully - and simply - resolved.

And I now wonder how many times I am told something and, in spite of its sense, I feel like arguing the point or defending myself...when all I need to do is simply say: "Good point" and move on.

(And I wonder why that student who decided to engage in an argument over a simple instruction rather than just do as I asked couldn't have simply said: "Good point" and moved on).

And I also wonder what I will learn the next time I go to school - even though they call me the teacher.