Taking Yourself Too Seriously
By Peter Barnes

During my first year of teaching, I sat with a group of second graders reviewing reading vocabulary words.

"Wrinkly. Does anybody know what wrinkly means?" I asked innocently. Alicia quickly raised her hand and responded, "I know what wrinkly means. Your shirt is wrinkly, your pants are wrinkly. You really should learn to iron, Mr. Barnes."

I laughed long and hard at this comment because I recognized it as true (I only iron under extreme duress). Since then I have worked hard not to take myself too seriously. When my fifth graders tease me about my poor handwriting or about my favorite team – the Chicago Cubs, who haven't won a World Series since 1908 – I laugh along with them.

Comfortable with mistakes
Such innocent teasing helps my students feel closer to me. I become more approachable when they realize I have weaknesses just as they do. This is an important lesson for children, who are often ashamed of their shortcomings. By laughing at myself, I show students that it's okay to admit one's faults. I want students to be proud of themselves for all of their great accomplishments, but I also want them to be comfortable with their mistakes.

There is, of course, the danger of losing students' respect when teasing gets out of hand. Middle schoolers can be very mean to each other and must understand the difference between joking around and hurting someone's feelings. I am quick to stop any interaction that becomes negative. I would rather they make mistakes when teasing me than by practicing on sensitive classmates.

Laugh at yourself
Joking around with my students also makes me better at my job. There are so many pressures placed upon us: standardized test scores, parents' expectations, administrative demands. By laughing at myself, I relieve some of this pressure and make teaching fun again. I'm much more comfortable with myself when I'm not trying to be perfect. Instead of trying to cover up mistakes, I point them out to the class and then move on when the laughter dies down.

I work hard at teaching and take pride in successful lessons and appreciative students. No matter how long I teach, however, I will always have days when things go poorly. I will always have days when I lose Tyler's math test or forget to call Haley's mother. I will always have poor handwriting and I will nearly always be wrinkled. But by continuing to face my imperfections with a smile, I hope they will never slow me down.

Peter Barnes teaches fifth grade at Rawls Byrd Elementary in Williamsburg, VA.

March 2004, Vol.34, No.6