When I was doing student-teaching last year, my cooperating teacher told me that this is a good book to read for teachers. I started to read it then but I didn’t finish. Well, I am glad I read it now! It is a sweet book about a student who is frustrated in school, and the difference between how it feels inside and what the outside world sees. It made me reflect a lot on who I am as a teacher and how I see students who “misbehave,” and to try to be a little more understanding.
The teacher in this book is a sympathetic teacher called Mr. Daniels. The way he interacts with this kid named Oliver in his class is how I want to interact with my students. (And really, all children.) Oliver is this hyperactive kid who is always talking but is really a kind soul. Mr. Daniels develops a signal with Oliver to show when it’s time to tone it down. His way of talking to kids– a variety of kids that is so representative in today’s classrooms- is just amazing. When a mean girl makes a comment, he doesn’t correct her or say that it is wrong, but signals to the class that they are moving on from it. He never gets angry or frustrated and I have to learn from him. He is always complimenting his students and his praise feels genuine and particular to the student. I can go on and on about how he is the kind of teacher I hope to be. (He is like Phil my master teacher!!
