Tough Love

I’m a tough teacher. I am a lot nicer as I age than used to be, but no one gets away with much with me. It is my job to convey information to students in the most concise way possible. I want to make sure students learn.

I know not all students learn the same way. I know that some people are more sensitive than others. Once in a while while I can scare the bejesus out of some of them. They eventually understand why I do it. And when they get it, and they almost always do, they are thrilled and happy.

Sometimes you have to walk through a little fire. In the end it usually worth it.

Tonight I had a student who did not pick a hand early enough in the game. I had said clear as day, “I don’t care how smart you are, or how good you are at games… pick a hand at the end of the Charleston and just try and make that. Don’t try and play multiple hands, don’t wait and see what you get. It is hard enough to try for one while you are learning.”

This poor woman, did not pick a hand, but she did pick four flowers and four jokers and never got a hand. Her table went to a wall game. She easily could have won if only she had decided earlier. It was a lost opportunity.

At another table a woman picked her hand and stuck with it, even though it looked questionable. She asked me if she could change. I told her to stick it out and keep trying. She won. She felt such satisfaction and excitement with winning.

You need to have a win to help your confidence. I am tough because I know that once you have a win you will keep going. I also know that if you try and second guess your original decision it leads to confusion and frustration.

I am always going to be a tough teacher. I make you pick your own tiles to pass. It does you no good for me to play your hand for you. My goal is that you don’t need me. That takes tough love.