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My class of sixth graders is impossible.

Today, egos clashed and sparks of provocation flew. Two boys almost exchanged blows.

Managed to pull one boy away. The remaining boy was still running on adrenaline and managed to get into a squabble with a third boy.

Things got so chaotic that I had to call for their form teacher. Utter pandemonium.

Here’s my shining crown of glory. I was unfazed and even managed to give a rousing speech that comprised: 1) a love declaration about me having unconditional love for every student, 2) a pep talk about the importance of getting along.

My lesson was cooked basically but I think I held my ground, stayed firm yet kind, and even managed to continue the lesson with as much semblance of grace as possible. I really feel that I have evolved haha

46 sats \ 6 replies \ @flow 16 Apr

Proud of @deluluwithjuju_ for finishing her first draft of her book.

Proud of myself for coming back to SN after long hiatus.

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welcome back!

yes, been loving @deluluwithjuju_ ’s musings on her accomplishment!

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25 sats \ 4 replies \ @flow 16 Apr

Thank you sensei!

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has SN felt the same for you since the last time you used it?

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25 sats \ 2 replies \ @flow 17 Apr

So far yes, and that's a good thing! Still this immediate sense of being a part of a welcoming and proactively engaging digital community. Where people actually respond in a thoughtful and caring manner instead of for some follows or for some ulterior motive or motive driven by money.

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you put a smile on my face at the end of a hectic week

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Likewise!

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I handled a stressful week better than I usually do. So, I’m proud of myself.

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what made you handle it better than usual?

Well done!

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Thanks!

what made you handle it better than usual?

Honestly, I’m not even sure. But as time goes on, you start to realize that everyday stress is harmful, so you stop giving importance to it. And life begins to feel better.

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I remember you told me something along those lines before!

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Running both of my vehicles on LPG that is derived from within New Zealand and thus not by default funding the US global to sustain the petrodollar.

Most petrol and diesel in New Zealand is sourced from the Middle East.

As a bonus the price I pay for LPG has not changed since the war began while petrol and diesel prices have nearly doubled.

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you have found a way to live on your own terms!

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Nothing haha

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still worthy of some sats haha

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My daughter is not generally super engaged with her soccer team, but I am proud of how she always stays after to help the coach clean up and put away the gear. None of the other kids do so and she does it without anyone asking her to.

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that’s very sweet of her. and instances like this make you think that you and your wifey have brought her up well ;)

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Maybe you've got a future coach right there!

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She would almost certainly be a better coach than player

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shit like this, I guess?
#1471259


It's cool that basically every teacher in their career have stories like this... it's like school children accelerate human dilemmas and trade-offs and you get a front-row ticket to the show. Even get to play a part in it!

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after the drama and trauma have simmered down, yup it was quite exhilarating

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You have more experience with children than I do, but I am always surprised by my boys' capacity to squabble. It's like their native state: bicker about stupid things all day long. I would say they enjoy it, but as happened in your class, it frequently comes to near-blows (or actual blows).

My memory of my own childhood is that my brother and I were constantly fighting. So perhaps the problem is that we don't have a good way to allow them to come to blows.

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probably.

I think our society is so fast paced that we lack the will and space to properly deal with conflicts. after all was done and dusted, the aggressor apologised to the class for wasting everyone’s time (that could be used to prepare for the pri sch leaving exam). I had to interrupt curtly that that is not the point!

sigh

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