I heard an interesting quote recently: "If things are hard I give up. When things are easy I still give up because it'll get harder later." It's shocking, but the student who said it wasn't just speaking his truth; he was speaking a large number of his peers truths as well. It's a sad thing to hear, but necessary, to know that this is how a lot of young people view the world. Scratch that...this is how a lot of PEOPLE view the world.
What makes our jobs all the more difficult with a group of our students feeling this way is that trying to explain that this is a horrible way to exist is even more difficult than explaining why my 14 year old basic readers need to know the periodic table. Reality tv today has promoted a sense of ease about life. No working...just playing and that equals success. How do we combat this in those who intrinsically believe it? Your quess is as good as mine, but instilling qualities in your small children that show them the value of effort sure can be a start. If you work hard, show your kids and make them aware of it. They may not appreciate it at that time, but the earlier and more frequent the better. Kids really do gain so much from what they learn as small children. This doesn't mean that teenagers can't learn those lessons as well, but its like learning a foreign language...it's easier the younger you start.
I often tell my students who think I "hate" them that, "You're too young to hate, but I definitely don't like your thoughts/behaviors." My 8th graders are only a portion of who they will be as adults, so teaching them work ethic and strong character will make an impression, but only if you show them...don't talk at them...talk with them. These lessons will make them better people and citizens one day. Put the effort into them and hope that they will in turn put the effort in on their lives.
What makes our jobs all the more difficult with a group of our students feeling this way is that trying to explain that this is a horrible way to exist is even more difficult than explaining why my 14 year old basic readers need to know the periodic table. Reality tv today has promoted a sense of ease about life. No working...just playing and that equals success. How do we combat this in those who intrinsically believe it? Your quess is as good as mine, but instilling qualities in your small children that show them the value of effort sure can be a start. If you work hard, show your kids and make them aware of it. They may not appreciate it at that time, but the earlier and more frequent the better. Kids really do gain so much from what they learn as small children. This doesn't mean that teenagers can't learn those lessons as well, but its like learning a foreign language...it's easier the younger you start.
I often tell my students who think I "hate" them that, "You're too young to hate, but I definitely don't like your thoughts/behaviors." My 8th graders are only a portion of who they will be as adults, so teaching them work ethic and strong character will make an impression, but only if you show them...don't talk at them...talk with them. These lessons will make them better people and citizens one day. Put the effort into them and hope that they will in turn put the effort in on their lives.
