Hi All,

This " witch with a B thread" has been great fun to read!  When I 
first started teaching art (and then social studies) back in the dark 
ages, I would be devastated by some of the students' comments 
like; "This is boring!" or "We already did this in fifth grade!"


Now, in my 24th year of teaching, having cultivated the persona of 
Empress of the Room (no, this is NOT a democracy!), I have 
perfected some snappy come-backs. My philosophy is to "beat 
them to the punch."  Now, you need to know that I only use these 
with students who know and like me, and these are ALWAYS said 
with a BIG smile.


This is boring! 

Response: Oh good, I was afraid you were having too much fun in 
here!


We did this in fifth grade:

Response:  Great, then you will be wonderful at this and can help 
other!


You give too much homework:

Response: Well, I don't want you to have a social life!  I don't!


You're mean! 

Response:  Oh good, that means I've met my professional goals!


You're meaner than Ms._____

Response: Oh thanks!  She has always been my hero!


How old are you?

Response:  Well, I baby-sat Columbus and waved goodbye when 
he sailed for the new world. You know Queen Elizabeth I of 
England?  She and I were great buds!


How come so-and-so got to do that?  

Response:  Because I love him best. (They all know that eventually 
I will say the same thing about them.)


I could go on and on.  Obviously, this strategy is not everyone's 
cup of tea.  I happen to be very fast verbally and enjoy saying 
things that adults don't usually say in middle school.  I adopt the 
general philosophy that I don't want the students to like me, I want 
them to want me to like them!  I'm lavish with extravagant praise 
when they are doing 'right' and I name the behaviors when they are 
not doing 'right'.  Works for me.  Just my 2 cents worth.


-Alix Peshette

Empress of Room C-6

Emerson Junior High School

Davis, CA



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