Today as I was packing up my stuff to leave, a member of the PTO came in to ask me a question. I asked her to wait just a moment, till I finished packing. I tend to leave things when people interupt me. When I put the power cord up I took out my IPod out and stuck it in my pocket.
She says, "You aren't going to listen to that in the car"
Me, "yea I have
She starts lecturing me up in my space at high volume "Don't you know how dangerous that is I' can't believe you could be so reckless"
I told her sharply, "Either stop or leave my classroom.
She stopped and I completed my sentence I have a device that plays the ipod through my stereo - much safer than even the radio, because I program what I want to listen to for the whole commute. I don't get irritated at the DJ and have to change channels"
UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG she is so UGGGGGGGG
Now contrast this with a 4th grader.
Same situation except I'm sync the Ipod (My off period, student came by to ask a question)
Student: What is that Ms. Herbert?
Me: I'm putting the songs and podcast I want to listen while I drive home on the IPod
Student shyly "Ms. Herbert, my brother got a ticket for wearing headphones when he was driving. My Mom got real mad because he wouldn't be able to hear a police car or ambulance
Me - Your mom is 1,000% correct, that's why I have a device to play the Ipod thought the car stereo
Student - That's neat Ms. J wants to know if .....
9 yo beats adult hands down in the politeness arena.