That's Not Exactly What I Meant

In my classroom it is important to me to build trust and an open dialogue. I want my students to feel like they can contribute to class discussions without worrying about being teased and laughed at. I try to build that trust early on and have a lot of dialogue that first week of school. I also, along with every other teacher, reach into my teacher bag of tricks and find an opening activity that will provide an atmosphere of ownership. This year I chose an activity wherein my students could make nameplates. Inside their large block letters they were to write words using the letters of their name, that describe them. For instance - my daughter is Brooklyn and B could be bossy, bubbly and bold. I was showing the students the one I made for an example. I told them that not every trait had to be positive. For instance, for my 'O' I wrote obstinate. I asked them in anyone knew what obstinate meant. One boy's hand shot right up and I called on him (by name, I was so proud of myself for remembering). He proudly and loudly said, "It's a word for someone who waits until they are married to have sex." Giggles erupted and I must admit I joined them. I try so hard to never laugh at a student, unless they want me to. I couldn't keep the grin off my face though. "No," I explained calmly and seriously, "that would be abstinent. My word is obstinate. Does anyone else want to try that one?" Of course by then no one was going to answer. I went on to explain that I was stubborn but could not used that word with no 'S' in my name and I had to choose obstinate instead. I feel that after my initial giggle, I saved it well and we moved on. Can I just add here, this example is one of the many reasons I love teaching middle school? These kids crack me up.