I Promise….

My middle of the day class is my largest right now – and (not coincidentally methinks) also the most challenging in the area of discipline.  The other day I had pretty much reached my limit with them……..and so we had a talk. 

Let me elaborate on that.  "TALK" = I lectured and they sat in silent terror.  And at the end of our talk, I asked my class to write down the following "I promise" and then to complete that sentence.  They needed to convince me to let them back into the kitchen with the words of contrition.

That being said – here’s what I got:

I promise to try and stop people when they do stupid things. (Sigh.  It’s tough being everyone else’s conscience, isn’t it?)

I promise thy shalt not talk, hit play or maketh lies.  And concluding that thy shalt not steal and thus report in any of persons who steal.  (This young man has been to one to many Renaissance Festivals, don’t you think?)

I promise to stop making fun of Tony and others (or at least try) by not responding when he says something stupid about anything and by ignoring others when they say somethin to me. (Definate serial killer material.  Nothing is every my fault – the other guy did it.  I am perfect and easily led astray.)

I promise that I will try my hardest to do my work when I am told to do all of the work that is assigned to me and if I see somebody stealing something I will tell you.  I will also stop talking and running around the room when I am supposed to be doing my work. (How does the song go?  If you’ll buy that I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free…..)

I promise to behave and try to do all of my work. (Short and to the point – and no real promise, just a promise to try.  I could have written this answer when I was in grade school!)

I promise not to play any electronic device such as game boys Nintendo etc.  I promise never to sleep in the class no matter if I didn’t sleep or any excuse except if I took medicine or am sick with a note from my parents or you can see the proof from my unconsciounce reactions.  I promise never to hit anybody even though I might threaten, I never will hit.

I promise to listen to directions the first time and I will get my work done when it needs to be instead of waiting until the last minute.  I’ll pay more attention to groups needs instead of my own and my friends.  It might be hard but I also promise to talk, laugh and whisper less than I ususally do. (hmmmm…co-dependent in the making????)

I promise to try and talk less and not try to kill everyone in the kitchen.  I promise that if I see anyone stealing food to stop them or tell you. (OK – this is the kid that always steals the extra food – or candy bars from the concession stand – or anything edible that is not nailed down.  Glad he’ll be turning himself in from now on.)

I promise not to just ignore things and do something about it.  I promise not to try and kill any one.  I promise to pay attention in class.  My hardest promise is not to sleep when you are talkinging.  I like to sleep.  (Is anyone else bothered by the fact that this child finds it harder to stay awake than to refrain from murder??)

I promise to behave by controlling myself and respecting everybody by being more nice and treating everyone their suppose to be treated.  (If this child were male – he could run for Miss USA on that speech!)

I promise to behave myself.  I am always talking and I love to cook.  I promise to never try to make myself so bad.  I always never listen in your class but that’s going to change.  I will sit down and listen to everything you say and I will never disappoint you ever again.  I will also tell if anyone is doing something bad. (I have to admit, I am feeling a little guilty for making this girl feel so bad…)

I promise to be the greatest I can be in your class.  I will at least get a B, I will always follow directions I wil do my best always! (Gee – do I have potential as a motivational speaker, or what?!!)

I’ll leave it up to your imaginations – did I have a better day today or not?  *grins*  C’mon….you KNOW the answer!