Silver Bell
I used to be a strict teacher. I thought smiling would make the students think that they could goof around in the classroom. Therefore I wore a straight face often. Somehow after I became a mom, I was more passionate toward my students. I loved them, smiled more, and kept in mind that, “What if this is my child?”
When I asked questions in class, I allowed creative answers, and tried to find some good points to compliment them. I allowed funny but polite answers. Other students might laugh at the answers. I laughed with them. Then I asked additional questions to help the students think. They might come up with more reasonable and appropriate answers. I was generous to praise and point out thoughtful answers.
Many students thought that they were my favorite students, because I praised them. They always offered to help. During recesses, they would knock on my door and asked if I needed help. Sometime I was happy that they offered to help. Other times, I needed to take a break. So I gently told them to come back the next day.
Once in awhile, a teacher on different lunch schedule may come in to talk with me. As soon as my attention was away from the students, they would start talking. Every teacher used different technique to quiet down the students. I preferred using a silver bell. The bell was old and sometimes the clapper got stuck. I had to cover the lip of the bell and jiggle it a little bit before I could ring it softly. The students responded well with my silver tone, musical sound of the bell. They were very good at quiet down respectfully.
I think I would have needed Big Ben in my classrooms! (Just kidding!)
I think that’s a lovely idea…
I generally would just start singing a song like “if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands!” Of course the children were 3/4 years old, but it always got them back on track!
Regards.Marie.
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Hi Marie, that’s the best song to get them back on track!! when they sing and clap their hands, they can do anything else….. Love it! Miriam
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It’s awesome that you’ve become more passionate since you’ve become a mom! Being a mom will do that to you! 🙂
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Yes, I felt it so clearly. I t did changed me!
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Beautiful!!! Lucky students to have a teacher like you! 🙂
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It works both ways, when they do well, it makes me feel that I’m a competent teacher!!
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Lovely one, I can see you are a motivator.
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Yes, and a cheerleader! I love cheerful anyone’s progress!!
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This is a lovely story. I really admire how school teachers guide our young children. My little guy loves his teacher; it’s adorable to observe his admiration for her. Thank you for sharing and it’s nice to meet you.
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You’re welcome. Students learn better when they have good relationship with teachers. I’m glad your son a admires his teacher. That’s great! Nice meeting you also!
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What a lovely post!
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Thank you, Ritu. It reminds me of my old days, 17 years. Thank you for reading it!
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Teaching runs through my veins… I understand so well the importance of building that relationship with your class x
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It’s easy to motivate them to learn when you have good relationship with the kids. I remember when I was in elementary school, teachers like me, it made me do even better so that they like me more, right??
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Oh absolutely!!!!
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Yes!!
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love this reminscence. I like the silver bell idea! Better than raising one’s voice, for sure…! I’m sure you touched so many students’ lives. Fortunately for them!
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Thank you, Teresa. It’s my style anyway!!
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I use the theme song to Hawaii 5-0 for transitions in my class – it’s about 1 minute long and it gets everyone dancing. I, too, appreciate what a smile and a hug can do for our students. 💗
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Wow! Hawaii 5-0, I would be dancing too. It’s a very good technique, very creative! I like it a lot!
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LOL. Mel’s elementary school teacher used her pen and would tap it to remind everyone to simmer it down!
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🙂 🙂
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Reblogged this on disue.
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Thank you! Do you have a new site!
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No problem. No, the same site.☺
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I see!:-)
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