Today I sifted through two years' worth of lesson plans in an effort to downsize the amount of things we're preparing to haul 14 hours north in our upcoming move. The backside of lesson plans is where I have been jotting down memorable moments since I started teaching, so I found some goodies as I rummaged and among them, this gem:
"You may not be the smartest person in the class, but you are the meanest. No offense."
I don't remember why, who, or what the class was doing when I overheard this double whammy, but I do know that they were working in groups. Ah, collaborative learning. It brings out the best in some kids and the worst in others. Growing up an only child, I always preferred to work on my own. (And still do!)
"You may not be the smartest person in the class, but you are the meanest. No offense."
I don't remember why, who, or what the class was doing when I overheard this double whammy, but I do know that they were working in groups. Ah, collaborative learning. It brings out the best in some kids and the worst in others. Growing up an only child, I always preferred to work on my own. (And still do!)