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Words

When students ask to talk to me about conflicts with other students, it sometimes involves mean words. Unfortunately, the words aren't the mean words I grew up with. No one is calling each other a jerk or carrot head anymore. The words have grown to a new level. I can't even write some of the words here. 

 I don't see many students about this kind of conflict but when I do, these are tough conversations to have. I was talking to a reflective teacher on my 7th grade team about words and he challenged my thinking by thoughtfully suggesting that some kids are using mean words (that we would have not used when we were younger) without fully realizing their impact. I think he's right. I also think there is small percentage of students that are using the words to harm and I want to dissect the causes for that. 

I know we all make mistakes with our words. At least, I know I have. But these most recent conversations have me thinking about how to do better and how to better help my students see that words can inspire or destroy. That thinking is what I'm considering my principal's homework for the weekend. 


“Words are things, I’m convinced. You must be careful about the words you use or the words you allow to be used in your house. In the Old Testament, we are told in Genesis that “in the beginning was the Word” and the Word was God and the Word was with God. That’s in Genesis. Words are things; you must be careful, careful about calling people out of their names, using racial pejoratives and sexual pejoratives, and all that ignorance–don’t do that. Someday we’ll be able to measure the power of words. I think they are things; I think they get on the walls, they get in your wall paper, they get in your rugs, in your upholstery and your clothes, and finally into you.”

Comments

  1. Fueling EductionApril 19, 2015 at 6:31 PM

    Great reminder for all of us, Lisa. Our words define us and we should be mindful of the power of what is said.
    Thanks for this heartfelt post...
    Craig

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownApril 25, 2015 at 9:08 AM

      Thanks Craig. I ended up doing some mini lessons with kids around the topic. I think the message was heard.

      Delete
    2. UnknownApril 25, 2015 at 9:09 AM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  2. Daniel ScottApril 21, 2015 at 3:38 AM

    Lisa,

    On point! "For whatever is in your heart determines what you say." When the words aren't positive, there are probably deeper problems we as teachers could pinpoint in order to better connect with and redirect the students.

    Thank you for sharing.

    -Daniel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownApril 25, 2015 at 9:08 AM

      Daniel, thanks for taking time to leave comment. I love your quote.

      Delete
    2. UnknownApril 25, 2015 at 9:08 AM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete

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