Better Than Band Aids

 

 

So, this post is probably going to sound crazy.  I am going to tell you about this "classroom management strategy" and you are going to think I'm nuts.  It's okay.  It won't hurt my feelings.  I'm telling you, this is going to sound ridiculous but it WORKS and my kids LOVE, love, love, love it. 

 

Alright, here we go... If you work with young kids you know they are ALWAYS trying to get a band aid! (If you have ever MET a young child you probably know this!)  Now, I am the first one to pull out a coveted band aid when someone scrapes a knee or gets a paper cut. Heck, I'll even go so far as to bandage a hangnail or a picked scab (Ew.  Can we stop for a moment to recognize how completely disgusting that is?  Why, oh why do kids constantly do this??)

 

As willing as I am to give out a band aid,  there are some "injuries" that just don't require it. Stubbed toes, invisible scratches and hurt feelings are just a few examples.  So, a few years ago I was standing on the playground and had about a hundred little band aid seekers whining and driving me nuts looking for some attention.  Suddenly, I had an epiphany.  While the band aids are exciting, the kids are really just looking for a little acknowledgement and TLC. 

So, like most of my best ideas, I made something up off the top of my head carefully designed this strategy.  Whenever a child complains of an invisible injury, I tell them I am going to "take some love out of my heart" and throw it on the injury. (Stick with me here... it WORKS!)  So, I put my hand up over my heart and pull out the "love" and act like I am throwing it at the child's toe, finger, elbow etc.  They LOVE IT.  Like, they don't just love it... they LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! The child instantly smiles, thanks me and runs off to play.  I swear.  It is the craziest thing.  That little bit of attention and validation is all they need.

So, now that this "system" is up and running, it doesn't even take any words.  They come up to me pointing at a body part with tears in their eyes, I "grab the love from my heart" and fling it at them and then the child laughs and runs away.  I know, crazy right?!?

Occasionally, there is an injury that actually hurts.  These are pretty few and far between, but every so often it happens.  On those occasions, I fuss over them a little more and ask if they need a "giant love bomb" or "gentle love sprinkles" and exaggerate the process a bit.  It still works.  Even when they are actually hurt.  It always makes them feel better. Always.

 

The funniest part of this whole "system" is when a student from another class comes to me to beg for a band aid report an injury.  I immediately "throw them some love from my heart".  There is often a confused "but I wanted a band aid" look.  Then I say "I know the love will make you feel better.  Go play."  There is often a moment of confusion but it usually ends with a thank you.

 

Other teachers now direct all complaints to me.  "Oh no!  Go get a love bomb from Mrs. Taylor!"  I fling the "love" all is well in the world, or at least on the playground.

 

It works.  Trust me.  You're welcome.