Perspective

I substitute taught in my kids class today. I work as a teacher's aide everyday till 1230--so it didn't seem like a big deal when the teacher asked me if I would stay till 3.

Boy, Howdy! It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I have a new appreciation for why my kids' teachers are sometimes grouchy. Plus, my feet are killing me! No wonder {most teachers} do not wear cute shoes to work.

I will admit to being a little overconfident in that I figured I could have those kids wrapped around my little finger--without raising my voice. I had planned on employing the ever popular

bell-ringing procedure .

Genius, really.

First, I asked the class if they thought I was nice. They all said I was did I really leave room for anything else?. Then, I asked them if they would like me to be nice for the rest of the day. They again said yes. Finally, I told them of my expectations {by the way...do you like my step by step instructions--I am implementing what I taught the students today}.

After the expectation speech, respect, listening, paying attention, blah, blah, blah I told them that when I wanted their undivided attention I would ring a bell two times and say, "Class Perfect" and they would assume the perfect position--facing forward, sitting up straight, eyes on me, feet on the floor--etc {hey--it worked like a charm in primary--why wouldn't it work in a 4th grade classroom?}.

Surprisingly enough, the day went pretty smoothly. The bell ringing idea was fab. I had their undivided attention for most of the day until 2:55 when it all went to he!!--because apparently I didn't follow procedure.

But, for the most part, I felt like I had them wrapped around my little finger.

Until we were on our way home from school today.

I asked the twins how I did.

Aussie informed me that *Stan thought my art project which I spent many days stressing about and wanting to make as fabulous as possible was lame.

Savvy told me that the bell ringing "thingy was weird". AND that I was kinda mean especially to the boys it was really only two and I still had them wrapped around my finger--even if it involved minor threats.

Perspective, loyal readers. Perspective.

*Name has been changed to protect the innocent.