Rule #5

In Whole Brain Teaching, Rule #5 has been seen as highly controversial. "Keep your dear teacher happy." is the rule in question. Coach B. says it leads to teacher heaven but with so many people being unsure...

Complaint 1: I read on a blog (was it yours?) that a teacher complained about rule 5 as the point of education was not to keep the teacher happy but to educate. The administration agreed.

Complaint 2: It is too arbitrary. It has too many meanings. It is not explicit enough.

Complaint 3: I don't want it to appear all about me. I went into it for the students; because it is my passion not to be the star of a one-man show. (Sorry teachers, we are ALWAYS the star of our own show!).

As I read about these concerns, I echoed their same thoughts. And then I got to thinking. What does this really mean?

My oldest is my "loop hole" child. I swear that child could wiggle his way out of anything. For sooooo many years I always had to add the caveat "and your Mama can change these conditions at any time as they see willing in order to ensure you are comply with ..... " UGH! It was amazing... he could even wiggle out of that one!

As I have been studying on WBT and preparing to attend the conference this week (YEA!! Who is gonna be in Louisiana with me??), I have used these items on my guinea pigs ... ummm... children. Rule #5 not only leads to teacher heaven but to Mama heaven.

HOW?

All I have to ask is one simple question:

 "Do you think that is gonna make Mama happy?"

No, back talking does not make mama happy.

No, teasing your brother does not make mama happy.

No, shoving everything under your bed when you are cleaning your 

room does not make mama happy.

No, cleaning the toilet with your brothers toothbrush

does not make mama happy.

No, feeding the puppy your vegetables does not 

make mama happy. 

In the classroom:

"Do you think that is gonna make Mrs. Poland happy?"

No, hiding under the desk does not make Mrs. Poland happy. 

No, tattling does not make Mrs. Poland happy. 

No, hitting our friends does not make Mrs. Poland happy. 

No, sharpening pencils while I am taking does not make

Mrs. Poland happy. 

No, talking in the halls does not make Mrs. Poland happy. 

Do you see why rule #5 is so important? Can you imagine how long the list of rules would be without #5? Do you have a loop hole child like mine? 

Here is a favorite story from first grade I believe. One of his classroom rules was "Keep your hands and feet to yourself." Simple enough, we have all heard it/used it. What does my loop hole child do? He uses a pencil to poke his friend. 

So to the principal he goes. He believes he has done nothing wrong. We all know its semantics but he doesn't understand this concept. He is a special needs child. He already struggles with communication. He is very literal. How can you explain he is wrong when he did just what you said? 

THIS is the problem I have run across more times than I care to admit too. But with rule #5, I can simply ask "Does poking your friend, whom I understand you do not like, make Mrs. Poland happy?" The answer is no. It does not. I do not have to add to my rules... "Keep your hands, feet, pencils, rulers, crayons, glue, and any other personal items to yourself." As this would cause other issues. now he does not have to share his ruler or he can use scissors instead. Sigh... yes... THIS is truly how he thinks!

What about administrators who don't agree? 

Well.... this is a tricky one. You can explain like I have done above WHY this works so well. This isn't necessarily about making you personally happy but rather keeping the peace. 

I explained it to my boys as this... you are ALL important to me. I want what is best for you. When you are not getting the best that makes me unhappy. This applies to so many situations!! 

Think about the special needs child. He/she gets special help, attention, etc because that is what is best for him/her. How often have you heard "it's not fair!"? Well, THIS makes you happy as it is the best for him/her and therefore is within the limits you have set. 

GENIUS!

I tell ya! Pure Genius!

I am also planning on sharing my rules at back to school night and creating a letter home explaining the rules and why they are important... especially #5. No one has to bring me Starbucks or flowers. It isn't about me at all but rather about what is best for each of your students. 

To the parent who complains

Dear Parent, your child is unique, special, adorable, and precious. I agree with you and as such I want the best for him or her! I can't think of all the things that may occur during the course of  the year in my classroom but I do know that wanting the best for him/her is my top priority. That is what makes me happy. To protect your child I put this rule in place. This ensures that no matter what creative idea another child may come up with, if it is not in the best interest of your child, it does not make me happy and therefore it is not within the rules. This applies to each and everyone of my students. What makes you happy as a parent is to see your child happy, loved, and well taken care of. What makes me happy as a teacher is to see your child happy, loved, engaged, and well taken care of. Together, we can provide the best possible year for your child by using this rule. Please let me know if you have any questions.

What are your thoughts on Rule #5?