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I'm going to relate the lessons I've learned from my students in my health classroom through stories I have from our class discussions, assignments, and interactions. Feel free to share some of your own "lessons learned" through the lessons you've taught your students. If you're not in education, perhaps you can relate lessons you have learned from children at some point in your life. Look forward to sharing stories!

Friday, July 19, 2013

I Need Extra Time

Towards the end of the school year I had a student who came to me in a rush at the end of the period and said, "Ms. Strey, I need extra time for the project that is due tomorrow. I have a really good excuse." (Bell rings--kid walks out the door) I respond to the back of the kids head as he is exiting, "Ben, have the project done for tomorrow!"

Needless to say when the kid came back to class the next day he didn't have a project to turn in, but he assured me that he had a good excuse. He proceeded to tell me that "last night" his sister was in a car accident and he had to spend time with her in the hospital. He was swamped with taking care of her. Of course I immediately caught him in a lie and asked him, "So your sister got in a car accident last night but you told me yesterday in class that you had a good excuse? How could you have known she would get in an accident to use it in an excuse?"

Lesson Learned:

There are times when kids need extra time on assignments and all effective teachers should consider allowing this when it is appropriate and fair. However, there are also times that kids are going to try to push it over a line that is unreasonable. Allowing students to turn things in late or extending deadlines constantly can wreak havoc for any teacher. It doesn't place responsibility on students or teach them life skills for meeting deadlines. Students also have to learn to be honest and know when it is appropriate to ask for more time and when they need to make sure they are using their time wisely to get things done. In high school, time management is a crucial life skill that needs to be developed so they are prepared for college life or the work force. Use your judgement!
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4 comments:

  1. AliJuly 19, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    Hi, I love your blog. I think it's great that you are using student stories. This current story is something we all as teachers can relate to. I agree that students need to learn time management skills in order to be successful in the future, but I agree if a student does have a legitimate excuse then as a teacher you have to use your judgement on whether to give them an extension. I teach third grade, so I can be a little more lenient with due dates, however I still try my best to instill in them time management and that there are consequences if your work is late. (email to parents.)

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    1. Ms. StreyJuly 25, 2013 at 5:07 PM

      Thanks for your feedback Ali. Since it is summer, I have to think hard to remember stories...being out of school makes it more challenging :) It's good to hear that even at young ages kids are learning an aspect of responsibility. It translates down the road in their work habits.

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  2. UnknownJuly 20, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    This is great!!! I understand completely. It is so hard trying to decide whether or not to give students extra time for assignments. I do have to throw out there though that I read a study that one school did away with deadlines for homework and projects and believe it or not they found the students turned everything in on time MORE than they did when they had a deadline. Reverse psychology right?

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    1. Ms. StreyJuly 25, 2013 at 5:10 PM

      Wow! I'd be interested to read more on the study...like the age level and the setting of the school? I wish I could say that my students would respond to that, but not sure they would.

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