February 7, 2010

We all agree that the very obvious selective hearing that occurs between the ages of 12 and 20 is somewhat frustrating, and definitely even more aggravating when you are in the teaching field. On the other hand, it is important to carefully select your words when you are trying to either gain a teenager's attention or remind them, yet again, of something you have already told them. For instance, you SHOULD NOT lash out in frustration when your class did not listen to the explicit instructions given on how to prepare Maple Pecan Muffins. Because when you yell, "How many times did I tell you guys to MEASURE YOUR NUTS before you left the table?" you have actually now destroyed their ability to listen or concentrate on anything for the remainder of the class period.