Frustrating Comment of the Day

Timeframe: Before my 1st period History of Christianity class has even started for the day, but the entire class is sitting and studying for a test, waiting for the tardy bell to ring

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Student: "Uh, Mrs. C, is the next unit going to be more interesting than this one that we just finished?" (loud enough so the entire class could hear it)

Me: [with a stunned look on my face, thinking surely I must have heard it wrong -- all the other students were staring at me now]What kind of question is that????

Student: Well, no offense, but I thought this one was pretty boring. It was really hard, you know? And when something is hard, well, I just get bored. (still out loud in front of the entire class) If this next one is easier, maybe I'll be more interested. Is it going to get easier?

Me: [continue to sit in stunned silence and figure out how I was supposed to NOT be offended] It's a history class -- history doesn't "get easier." You have to remember about people and their ideas. That's kind of the point. Becoming more interested in tough material makes it easier.

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I just couldn't think of anything witty or teacherly to say back. It was 7:45 in the morning. What do you do? Actually, don't answer that. I can think of several things that I SHOULD have done and/or said, but none of them came to mind when I needed them this morning. Argh. What I WANTED to do was throw a temper tantrum in the middle of the classroom over my frustration at not being able to communicate to this girl how completely fascinating and engrossing this subject is, but somehow (sigh), I just didn't think it would be appropriate. Or helpful. Teaching definitely teaches one to be a more patient, flexible, and gracious person -- I seem to be getting these lessons a lot lately :0)