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Maurice Clive Bisby's avatar

"Laughter each day keeps the crapple at bay" Khalimar Sarkorius, Ancient Guru.

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Jack Watson's avatar

Phenomenal quote 😂

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Amanda Nicholson's avatar

I love this Jack, brought a tear to my eye (P.S. no joke).

Humour is indeed a great opener in breaking the ice. This young man is an absolute joy to be around and at the close of our last maths lesson on Friday announced his disgust that it was over “Awwwww I love doing Maths with you” music to my ears 😁

It’s so rewarding to know that after a few hours of his first morning with us and informing me “I can’t wait to come back tomorrow” just shows that ‘we’ did a sterling job! 😊

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Jack Watson's avatar

Im so grateful to work with you Mandy 💙 not just because of the amazing job you do (beyond amazing, even) but because of your efforts to teach me sarcasm 😂

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Amanda Nicholson's avatar

😂 perseverance (on my part) was the key here to teaching you sarcasm Jack….with a belly full of laughs along the way 😁

I also love working alongside you, it is an absolute privilege 💙

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SEMH Education's avatar

I agree with absolutely everything here Jack, well said! I remember my NQT Year being told "Don't smile until Christmas" and how I really struggled with that. For years I didn't think school staff were allowed to be 'funny' or have their own sense of humour. This posts expertly explains why humour is such an important aspect of teaching and an excellent way to build those relationships. Thanks again, your posts are always a source of inspiration 😊.

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Jack Watson's avatar

Love hearing from you Kieran, thanks for your kind words. Funnily enough, I’ve written about “don’t smile until Christmas” on here before! Luckily, I got over that quite quickly!

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SEMH Education's avatar

It's such an outdated saying isn't it! Although, I suppose for those that abide by it, it's almost Christmas now haha!

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Jack Watson's avatar

Christmas never comes for these Scrooges

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Douglas McClenaghan's avatar

Yes, you the teacher are the anchor. I have known many students who will only come to school because of their teacher.

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Jack Watson's avatar

Absolutely - I have one student who has come to me with historically dreadful attendance. They’re on 100% so far this year. I don’t toot my own horn a lot but I do believe that’s a positive influence I’ve had on their experience. That’s not to say other teachers haven’t done the same, and maybe more, for their students - I just feel like something resonates with that child.

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Douglas McClenaghan's avatar

I think this is a fascinating and perhaps undervalued element of schooling. It might make the basis of a good article.

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Tinashe D. Ndhlovu's avatar

Humor and kindness can turn fear into comfort, which is applicable in many spaces. Thanks for sharing this classroom experience, Jack.

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Jack Watson's avatar

Always a pleasure, Nash

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