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I need a really snappy comeback...?
I am a substitute teacher. I try to add value to the classes by not simply being a baby-sitter. So, the other day, the high school class had an assignment to read a piece on whether racist speech should be protected, etc. After the students finished, they were to write a short essay on where they stood on the matter.
Since I know I know more about the free speech debate than they do, I would add a few comments as they were writing. I'd say, "Is it OK to cry 'fire!' in a crowded theater?" Just little things that pertained--trying to ask provocative questions from both sides of the debate.
Well, this didn't seem to bother anyone...except one guy. I was in the middle of saying something else and he just kind huffs and says something like, "Look, I can't write this with you talking."
I was pretty embarrassed to say the least. But I stood down. Perhaps I should have not spoken while they were writing, but that doesn't keep THEM from talking. At the same time, being a sub, I didn't have time to figure all this out in advance--I just said the things that came to me as they popped up, trying to get them to think deeper about it.
My question is, if I ever have the situation again, where I'm just trying to be helpful and someone acts rude (I mean, even if I'm in the wrong, he could have had a little patience--he was only writing a PARAGRAPH), I need a really sharp comeback that is not nasty or will get me fired, but one that will put the guy in his place in a major way.
HELP!
I hear and appreciate those of you who say I should have just been quiet. I have tried to add that to my "things to do." But for me the situation was that I was trying to be helpful and the student was rude. I'm thinking that sort of behavior should not just be "tolerated" and "understood." Second, as a substitute, it seemed to undermine what little authority a substitute has in a classroom anyway. I'm good at what I do, and maybe it is wounded pride. But for the sake of teaching him to be a little patient in such instances and to maintain some degree of authority, I'd like to have something in my pocket if it comes up again. Again, nothing crushing, just quick, witty, even funny--but that keeps the control in my corner.
6 Answers
- bjk1961Lv 710 years agoFavorite Answer
I'm sorry, but I must side with the student. It is hard enough to concentrate without being interrupted. My entire train of thought would be destroyed by the additional comments/topic. I would insist on silence during any assignment, if only to protect the students that may have learning disabilities or ADD.
You're not 12, snappy comebacks should not be part of your professional character.
EDIT: Your response should have been to ignore a single outburst, or tell the child, "I'm sorry to upset you, but this is my class and my lesson. Please keep your comments to yourself." and then continue with your lesson. Again, comebacks are NOT appropriate for a Teacher-Student dynamic. You are an adult with all the power and the child is helpless against you. It is not professional to embarrass or humiliate a student. It can be scarring for the student. Obviously you need some help with confidence. People who are truly in charge, do not need to be abusive to maintain that control.
- redheadLv 610 years ago
Your sharp comeback should be to be the adult, accept his feelings, and say, "I am so sorry, I had no idea I was bothering you" (politely and genuinely) and then be quite. Some students even if it is "just a pargraph" to you have trouble with that, and some like a lot more quiet to concentrate. Maybe he did say it in a rude way, but he is the student. This is your chance to "go the extra mile" and be a role model, and accept criticism gracefully.
Source(s): Child advocate - Anonymous10 years ago
The only thing I can think to keep control in your corner, like you said, is to somewhat take it lightly inside yourself (not personal or serious and knowing how teens, kids are) and say in funny way, "Well, exxxxxcuuuuuusee meeeee," like Steve Martin in Saturday Night Live. The class will hopefully laugh and so will the rude kid. Keeping in mind that you really like all these kids including the rude one, and that you're doing this to lighten the mood and get back to the lesson/schoolwork.
- 10 years ago
Sorry-but it sounds like your assertive student was probably voicing what the others also thought-If you instruct them to write a paragraph then maybe you should be quiet for the time you have allowed them to do it in. Do not allow them to speak either.
Make it clear that there will be silence for the next x minutes whilst they write it.
I don't think you will need to worry about 'snappy comebacks' then.
He was only telling you what he thought- i.e. that you were distracting him. this does not mean the guy needs to be 'put in his place'.!!!
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- ?Lv 410 years ago
I think it is obvious that you are not in control at all if you are afraid of a student being rude to you. Comebacks are for children.
