One of the most challenging parts of my day is trying to get students past the "Need vs Want". I NEED and A, I NEED a drink, I NEED a pencil. What I want to say is "no...you think you NEEd and A because your parents will be mad if you get another D but you should have studied so you don't get extra credit." "no..you know your girlfriend will be in the class room next door and you want to peek in at her when you walk by to the water fountain" "no....you just went to your locker and put your stuff away then came to class empty handed, you get a zero for not being prepared." But what I want to say and what I usualy say are different. Usualy I say "okay" (except to the A one).
So I got to thinking about what I Need VS Want.
I Need to post here more often because it is a good way to get the bagillion thoughts out of my mind and on 'paper' so they don't overwhelm me.
I Need to sleep more so I am not so cranky.
I Need to put grades in so my students know how they are doing.
I Want ice cream because it makes me happy and puts my in a good mood faster than a nap.
I Want my students to study not just so they know the material but also so I feel like they think my class is important
I Want to be a better teacher.
