Students were expected to behave appropriately and listen to their teachers. Discipline was not a dirty word and when students misbehaved, both the student’s teacher and parent(s) worked together in correcting the problem.
Where Did We Go Wrong?
No longer do the majority of students look upon their teachers with the respect and consideration that they deserve. Nor do students refrain from using abusive language such as the "F" word or name calling towards their teacher. According to Karen Stephenson, “there is a trend of violence toward teachers that is rapidly getting out of control in schools around the globe. Teachers are becoming fearful of a job they once loved.”
Making matters worse is the lack of support from parents. Once an invaluable method in helping teachers creates a positive learning environment, parents are more than often too quick to side with their child(ren). There are many parents who would argue this point and vehemently oppose most initiatives introduced by schools to reclaim the learning environment. One such initiative was a measure put into place by Ecole Notre-Dame in Waterloo, Quebec, Canada.
Is Silence Golden?
The school year began like any other for students at Ecole Notre-Dame with the exception of one minor difference. At the beginning of lunch everyday an enforced period of fifteen minutes of silence was introduced. Relaxing music is played for students as they eat quietly for the allotted time. Upon completion of the fifteen minutes life resumes as normal and the silence is broken by the chitter chatter of children talking and laughing.
According to the Val-des-Cerfs School Commission, cited in CBC.com, “the policy has brought calm to the boisterous lunch hour [and that] the students are calm, happy and eating better.” Indeed studies have shown that relaxing music alone can prove to be invaluable in decreasing episodes of hyperactivity. Mitch Moore states that “when concentrating on the music, a kid can normalize their respiring pattern, calm the rush of thoughts in mind and simply focus on the task of listening.” If you consider the wealth of information that exists on the benefits of silence and music it begs to question what the problem is exactly?
Who Are You Gonna Call?
One parent in particular, Louise Gagnon states that “when [her son] returned to school, he became hyperactive." She also blames the fifteen minutes of silence for her son’s inappropriate behaviour such as jumping on the couch, running wildly throughout the house, making noise, speaking loudly and a worryingly aggressive tendency towards his stuffed animals!
Perhaps an exorcist should be called? Nevertheless, Mrs. Gagnon is not alone in her dissatisfaction with Ecole Notre-Dame. Already a petition has been signed by one hundred angry parents to have this rule removed. Despite their demands, however, the Val-des-Cerfs School Commission has plans on implementing this program throughout their schools as they maintain it has been successful to date.
Supporting Our Teachers
In a society where bullying, disrespect, verbal and physical violence towards peers and teachers alike are at an all time high it begs to question whether parents are themselves missing the point? Teachers are increasingly finding themselves sandwiched between parental demands and students’ inappropriate behaviour. Not every school initiative is going to work but that doesn’t mean that some won’t. Get involved in a productive and supportive matter. Teachers are desperate to work with parents in helping their child reach their full potential in and outside the class. Ultimately, if parents support the initiatives introduced by schools, then so too will their children.
References:
CBC.com: Quebec School Bans Talking at Lunch
McParland, Kelly. Parents Should Not be Expected to Raise Their Own Kids. In Full Comment. National Post, October 7, 2010.
Moore, Mitch. Calming Down Hyperactive Children. Article Alley, October 20, 2009.
Stephenson, Karen. Teacher Abuse is on the Increase: Classrooms Worldwide are Becoming Verbal and Physical Battlegrounds. In Health & Wellness, June 30, 2009. Suite101.com.
Mario R. J. Corbin - Based in Quebec, Canada, Mario Corbin has been writing professionally since 2002. His publications have appeared in “The Jane ...
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