“Sy, I didn’t get this done. Is it okay if I take it home and finish it,” Faith asked.

“What do you think I’m gonna say, Faith?”

“Of course you can,” she gently parroted.

“Of course you can,” I smiled, as “onlisteners” cracked their own “knowing smiles.”

“Man,” I continued. “Next year I ‘m gonna try out “mean” for a year. A new project. Instead of Project 180, I am going to do Project Mean-Guy Sy.”

Laughing, kids bobbed their heads in a “good-luck-with-that” gesture.

Maggie, my TA who was in my class last year, announced with a gentle chide, “That’ll last about half a period.”

They know me better. I could never be Mean-Guy Sy. And here’s why.

I don’t need to be.

Of course, I didn’t enter the world of ed knowing that. I have learned that. I have, much to my shame, been mean a few times, but I quickly learned better upon reflection. We never have to be mean to kids. Never.

So, then, does that make me “Super-Nice-Guy Sy?” Of “Easy-Guy Sy?” I prefer, “Respectful-Guy Sy.”

I respect my kids. I respect their dignity, their individuality, their humanity. And I pay it first. I respect them and then work hard to earn their respect.

If that makes me easy, so be it. Okay, but can I manage a classroom? Don’t try to. I nurture culture.

From the moment my kids walk in the door.

To the words they find within.

To the roles, rights, responsibilities they own.

To the last words they hear as they leave my room.

Faith knew she didn’t need to ask me if it was okay. She already knew the answer. But she asked me anyway. They all ask. They all know. Of course, it’s okay. And I hope they know that the “okay” is my being respectful, not my being easy. For if they don’t…well, I may have to dig out my “Mean-Guy Sy” costume.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…discussing what Nature v. Nurture reveals about human identity.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Friday, all. Have a great weekend.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.