Okay so in my classroom when I explain my rules, procedures, etc. to my students I have stories that correlate to some of them. For example:
1. I do not allow my students to chew gum.
The reasoning is because Jimmy Kaufmann stuck gum in my hair and we couldn't get it out, I had to get my LONG hair cut and it scarred me for life. This story is true.
2. I do not let my students tip in their chairs.
Reasoning: A kid tipped over in his chair, hit his head on a heater and bled all over the place and I hate blood. ~Not true but could happen.
3. I do not let my student bounce their pencils.
Reasoning: Charlie did it in third grade and the pencil got stuck in his eye and he had to get a glass eye. ~Not true but it could happen.
Now I have been using stories like this for the last few years and most of my friends and colleagues know about this practice. Some of them laugh at me, while others admire my brillance. =) I am quite sure my husband may have heard me tell these stories too..........
Tonight I was very upset because I am an overprotective mom and I do not think that dad should mow the grass and watch a toddler at the same time. Now when I explained my reasoning I punctuated it with the story of a kid in elementary school whose dad accidentally cut off his son's foot.
I am glad I don't have to provide documentation and that is all I am saying.
