2010 Lesson Learned: The Negative

[Carolyn_Grace]

Originally Posted by synth3tk

Unfortunately, that "ROBOT!" chant wasn't enough to even break through sometimes. I'd stand there for what seemed like ages, shouting at the top of my lungs before they'd even realize I was right behind them. I think we'd eliminate a lot of the shouts if the pits were actually passable at all times.

I teach preschool, and it's so interesting to me how similar 4 year olds and high schoolers are to each other.

Have you ever had someone yell in your face about something? Do you actually hear their words, or do you hear OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD NOISES?! Combine that with being in the Pit Area, which is already an obnoxiously loud area, and you don't register any loud noise because it's blending in with the rest of the loud noises that you've blocked out.

Now, have you ever had someone whisper something to you? Maybe you didn't quite understand what they said right away, but you heard the whisper, and it intrigued you enough to pay attention.

Instead of yelling "ROBOT" and push through, perhaps we could all walk with the crowd, and then when it gets congested, gently tap the person who is in the way, say, "Excuse me, we need to get through for our match" in a polite tone, with a smile on our faces.

I tell my four year olds, "Use your gentle words". Most of the time it works for high schoolers too.