Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 1: Stoking the Fires Within

This chapter begins by explaining that teachers need to set a good example for their students. If a teacher comes in the room excited and happy to be there then that will wear off on the students in one way or another. It is important to have a positive attitude at all time with your students. Do not bore student with time filler activities, their time at school needs to used as effectively as possible. Helping them to build connections to the outside world and broaden what they know is important and fun. Because of this it is important to always listen to a student, but do not take anything they say too personally. Some students may need you to talk through a situation with them.

The example of the bumper stickers in the beginning of the chapter surprised me. I found them to be pretty insulting to teachers, especially the one that said “the three best things about being a teacher are June, July, and August”. Sure vacation is nice, but that’s an insult to teaching, I would never been seen with a bumper sticker like that on my car. Also another thing that caught my interest in this chapter is the touching portion. I do believe that touching should be allowed between a student and a teacher, but it is such a risky thing. Some people could interpret it differently or students may feel too comfortable. I’m not sure how I feel about the touching, but I am sure it would ensure a kind of comfort to students.