PSA: The rule about not smiling until Christmas is done. If you haven’t already started go ahead it’s okay to smile at them . Tell a joke or two. This old school method is over. It never worked and if it did the kids probably think you have split personalities. The goal is not for them to fear you but to gain their respect. Wait until Christmas to smile if you want ,by then your nickname will be the grinch. Respect is earned, no matter the age. Instead of drilling the rules into them and being super strict for the first few months, allow them to help create the rules. Explain why they are in place and how it affects the class if they are broken. #dumbrules #oldschoolteaching teacherlife #smile #schoolcounselor #schooltoprisonpipeline #school #blackeducators #teacherstruggles #educator #kids #love #happy #educationmatters #teachermemes #schoolmemes #ogmandino #ogmandinoquotes #middleschool #elementaryschool #highschool https://www.instagram.com/p/B2O-XmOBcMl/?igshid=7cgwsa4uxahb