Friday, November 03, 2006

I’ve noticed myself slipping into an old habit of saying things impulsively and unwisely during class – just blurting out the first thought that pops into my mind. Some people might reassure me by saying it’s natural and creative to teach that way, but I disagree. Above everything else, a teacher must exercise good judgment, common sense, and even caution in conducting the practical affairs of his classroom. There’s no room for rashness and impulsivity. The outside world is often an impetuous and reckless place, and for that very reason I need to establish the opposite atmosphere in my room. I must set an example of wise self-restraint for my students. If I expect my students to always use the utmost circumspection, then I must do the same. It’s a simple matter of thinking before speaking.

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The weather seemed capricious yesterday, rather like a whimsical young lady who was doing exactly as she pleased. In the morning the air was almost balmy, and soon enough a tropical rainstorm descended on us. For an hour or so, the rain pounded down upon our little school. By noon, however, the sun was shining, the temperature was dropping, and we were bundling ourselves up as we rushed from building to building. Lady Weather had decided to become aloof and frosty, and all we could do was adjust to her latest mood.

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