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Classroom Tactics For The PC-Inhibited Teacher

by Mickey 

Posted: 08 May 2006
Word Count: 118
Summary: Some friends in the Poetry Seminar were discussing writing a poem based upon a current news item. This isn’t exactly based on such a piece, but is offered as an alternative strategy to the idea reported in the weekend press, that school detentions should better reflect the nature of the misdemeanour (see evildetentions.co.uk) I've sent a copy to both the NUT and the NASUWT


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As a teacher, just be prudent
And never underestimate the student,
Or grab them firmly by the throat if
Vengeance is your only motive.
When, with rage, you’re all a-quiver
Talk with him, or reason with her.

To get you riled is what they want
So try to act all nonchalant,
When they have acid-stripped the bonnet
Of your new car – reflect upon it.
You know you can’t ‘invade their space’
So ..... go and hire an unknown face

Who’ll neutralise these teenage muggers
Yes – take out contracts on the buggers!
They won’t take long to realise
With mates all dropping down like flies,
That they should be more circumspect
And show you teachers more respect.






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Comments by other Members



Nell at 18:54 on 08 May 2006  Report this post
Hi Mike.

You're so good at the unexpected rhyme - I laughed aloud at throat if/motive; the bonnet/upon it; muggers/buggers, smiled at the others. Not a jarring note and great to say aloud - maybe you should think about performing some of these? (Did I say that last time? It's true though.)

I wondered about the full stop at the end of stanza 2, as the sentence seems to run on from there, otherwise the following sentence becomes a question. It's perfectly acceptable to run one stanza into another.

So ..... go and hire an unknown face

Who’ll neutralise these teenage muggers
Yes – take out contracts on the buggers!



A great response to the exercise - thanks for the humour too - very welcome!

Nell.

Mickey at 22:30 on 08 May 2006  Report this post
Thanks Nell. Yes, you're right about the full stop (I've taken it out now) I usually type my 'poems' in Word, and only add the punctuation afterwards! MIKE

Brian Aird at 09:33 on 09 May 2006  Report this post
I tried teaching for a while (despite my dad being attacked as a teacher). I found students responded to humour and would only let them teach you if you made lessons fun. Have you tried reading that poem out loud to them!!!!


Brian


Mickey at 19:08 on 09 May 2006  Report this post
Brian,

Good God, man - I wouldn't be brave enough to teach for crissake! If you've done it then you're a better man than me! Thanks for reading me.

MIKE

NinaLara at 22:45 on 09 May 2006  Report this post
I think this is a really well 'timed' poem (in the comic sense) .. you really have to be miserable not to laugh at the 'take out contracts on the buggers'. I think it would make good classroom material too ......

joanie at 19:51 on 11 May 2006  Report this post
Too bloody right, Mike!!
To get you riled is what they want
is absolutely right, but sometimes it feels very good to get riled!

Early retirement, please!! (With acturally reduced pension)

The last verse makes me wants to go in tomorrow rather than be tempted to stay in bed!

Brilliant

Joan





Mickey at 22:01 on 11 May 2006  Report this post
Thanks all, I sent this to the Daily Mail and it was published in their 'daily poem' slot today.

joanie at 06:25 on 12 May 2006  Report this post
Excellent news, Mike! I must try that.

Joan




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