I Should Have Been More Specific

September 16, 2009

I write a quote up on my board in my classroom everyday, usually something intended to impart wisdom or to be inspirational. One of my favorites is, "Don't talk unless you can improve the silence." (Vermont Proverb)

It's kind of a funny way of trying to get them to think before they speak, to offer up ideas they have actually processed a little, and to be positive with those around them.

I should have been more specific. In my fourth period class, we are stuffed to the gills--at least ten more students are in this class than can really adequately be accomodated. Fine, no problem, we figure it out. But someone in that class--someone from the back left quadrant--is passing gas EVERY DAY. Loudly. High-pitched, but powerfully loud, he (I'm assuming--would you call that a sexist assumption?) lets one go, usually four or five times during the period, almost always during a lull in the noise. He appears to lie in wait for these quiet times just to make himself heard. As if there would be a problem with this. Of course, this turns the rest of my generally well-behaved, fairly mature seniors into three year olds. Yes, I said SENIORS. This kid apparantly does not care that most girls do not find this behavior attractive. If there was an odor involved, perhaps the students would find this less funny, but fortunately, there's not. It's just noise, but noise that has the kids dissolving into childish giggling fits. And because they all seem to find it amusing, no one is 'fessing up, and no one is pointing fingers. And there are so many dang kids in there that I have no idea who it is. So far, my generalized, "If you need to go to the bathroom, please go," has had no takers.

So yes, I've decided. My quote of the day needs amending. "Don't talk unless you can improve the silence" doesn't quite cover it. I think it's going to have to be, "Don't add to the noise unless you can improve the silence." Of course, my students seem to think it is an improvement over the silence. I just can't believe that these are the kids on the brink of moving out and supporting themselves. God help them!