That day, I ran out of the house without my clothes. Ever since man has succumbed to the overwhelming temptation of Apple, clothes have become an essential part of our lives. Aside from its most basic function, clothes also have many other useful applications. The right clothes even help us get places. Without my clothes, I was completely naked. Do you know how hard it is to get through a day without your clothes? Today at recess:
2nd Grade Teacher: “What time is it?”
Me: “I have no idea. I left my clothes at home.”
Wait, what? Now that you’re wondering if you’ll be seeing me on the news tonight for indecent exposure, go ahead and replace the word ‘clothes’ with the word ‘iPhone.’ I doubt I feel alone when I say I feel completely naked without my cell phone. And, like clothes, we often forget the importance and usefulness of a smart phone until we are without it.
This got me thinking. Often, when there is something wonderful introduced into my life, I often get accustomed to it and eventually begin to regard its presence as normal. If you’re anything like me, the day you got your iPhone (or Droid, or any other cool gadgety phone) was spent playing with the many functions and downloading cool apps. Then, after a few weeks of playing with my new toy, I got somewhat bored with it. Sure, I took it out when I needed it, but mostly I took for granted that I would never be bored at a stop light because of Angry Birds, I’d never be lost because of the built in GPS, and my fantasy football lineup would always be set on time because of my ESPN Fantasy Football App. Being without my phone for a day made me realize how much I depend on it.
Why is it that we often stop cherishing the things that we depend on the most?
In the corporate world, it’s often said that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. In the teaching world, 20% of the kids require 80% of the teacher’s attention. We make positive behavior charts that reward them for acting in the way that they’re supposed to be acting – the way that the rest of the class already knows how to act.
Because those 20% require so much attention, it’s easy to take for granted the kids that make my job easier. Those kids are my iPhones – in the beginning of the year I noticed how responsible they were so I began to rely on their help. They help me take attendance, sharpen pencils, change my daily calendar, and check to see if I have notes from parents. They listen attentively, work well in groups, and always have their homework and classwork complete. No behavior chart is required for them because they are already doing the things they are supposed to be doing. And, I’ve gotten so used to their help that most days I forget how much easier they make my life.
Today, as a reward for their hard work, I brought a few of my students out for pizza. We talked about soccer, football, books and authors they love, their families, and their homes. They talked about things in their everyday lives, some of which are almost unfathomable to those of us who have always had the basic needs of food, shelter, clothes, and love. These amazing students were so excited that they all wanted to be the last one dropped off afterwards. It was as if they – not me – were the ones that had something to be thankful for.
It’s easy to take my iPhone for granted. However, I know how much easier it makes my life. A couple hours of my time and an $18 pizza? That’s the best 1-year contract a guy can get for this convenience. I guess that’s what you would call a teacher discount!
"It was as if they – not me – were the ones that had something to be thankful for. "
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful that the kids have a teacher who really cares about them. So they DO have something to be thankful for. A good teacher at that time in their lives is really key. You might be that extra encouragement (in some cases the only encouragement) that makes all the difference. Good work dude!
Thanks for YOUR encouragement! It's awesome if and when both parties are grateful for each other =)
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