“(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding by Elvis Costello and the Attractions (Words/Music: Nick Lowe, Album: Armed Forces, Columbia 1979)
One of the things that other teachers seem to marvel at is my patience with the high schoolers we teach. They seem to think it’s pretty amazing at times, but I really believe that if you are nice to people, they’ll be nice to you. It also helps to remember that they’re only 14-18 years old and aren’t perfect (then again, neither are adults) and they’re experiencing a lot of things for the first time, so it doesn’t make sense to crucify them for a mistake. Usually, if a student makes a “mistake” in my class (says something the wrong way or is about to get into a confrontation with either me or another student), I try to make sure they know the consequences if they carry their actions any further. Most of the time, it works and we have a pretty peaceful day. And the kids actually appreciate it, too.