My personality is of such that if you tell me to do something, I won’t do it. I guess I always figured that if I was told to do something that the other person would benefit and I wouldn’t. They would get work out of me and I’d be tired. Or, worse yet, they would tell me to do something and it would be of no benefit to anyone–especially me!! Plus, do they really know what they are talking about??

Parenthetical paragraph is inserted here: I guess that is one reason why I became a teacher. Useless, repetitive, pointless homework assignments just had to stop!! Or at least I would tell my students why it was beneficial for them in the short term or the long run. If any students are reading this I hope you have seen my point as I taught you and piled on the homework over the years.

So anyway, I remember doing SRA reading in grade school. Fun stories, but nothing memorable. One day in 5th grade I was goofing around in class and the teacher (Thanks Mr. Grant!) told me to go to the library. Why do I remember this? It made an impact!! I had recently become enthralled with all things World War II. Now here was my opportunity to CHOOSE what I WANTED to read. I was haphazardly skimming through the shelves and came upon the book by Ian Serraillier Escape from Warsaw. I believe I searched for years and years to find a book as good as that–good story–plot I enjoyed–EDUCATIONAL–entertaining.

Than came high school. Well, I was ambitiously lazy. I tried everything to get out of doing work. I talked with my classmates to learn about books and stories we were to read. I read and traded “Cliff’s Notes”. I carefully chose my way through true and false tests and multiple guess questions. But I was not MOTIVATED to read. You couldn’t make me read. I wasn’t going to read. By the way, I developed my auditory learning skills very well at this time. I also dabbled with visual learning skills by watching the movie version of the book or novel.

Then came college. I had to read some stuff, I’m sure. There is no way to get through Children’s Literature class or American Literature class without it. But I don’t remember reading much of anything. If I did, I’m sure I skimmed and read enough to at least pass. But I don’t remember what I read.

Than one day, a guy I barely knew, someone who I had met and talked to for only an hour, gave me a book to read. “This book is different information. You’ll love it. I know it woke me up. I was never TAUGHT this kind of stuff before!”, said Dave. So I did. I read Paul Zane Pilzer’s The Next Millionaires. It became the first book, probably since 5th grade, that I read cover to cover. The information in there was incredible. Things I never new. I researched that information on-line to verify it, I discussed them with other people, and wonder of wonders–I recommended it to someone else.

Now to recap: why read? I read for information. I get educated. As I always say; “What is the difference between those who can’t read and those who won’t read? NOTHING!!! If experience is the best teacher than someone else’s experience is an even better teacher!

What does this information get me? Does it make me rich? Does it make me a better person? Which one is more valuable? Self-improvement is the goal. When I become better I am using God’s blessings to the fullest. I can make someone’s life better. I will make a room better with my entrance than with my exit (mull that one over a second). I have increase my influence. I have uncovered a part of God’s purpose for my life!! I can leave a legacy.

Now the keys to reading (review the bold words above): Interest–something I wanted to read about; Edification–why the book is good; why someone might think I would like it; Education–Don’t waste my time with enjoyment; what can it teach me; Motivation–what will it teach me? Is it new? How will this make me a better person?

If experience is the best teacher in life, than someone else’s experience is even better. John Wooden was 92 years old when he wrote his book, “Wooden”. Being ambitiously lazy, I can take a 92 year short cut to his goal of success. Yes, John Wooden is more successful than me. What a shock. I know, I didn’t believe it either But here is the point; he is successful as a better person. A man I could strive to be like. Oh, he is not Jesus, but he is someone who has lived on this earth and made himself a better person to make others better and make the world better. That is influence. That is legacy.

What would be the antonyms of criticism? The same Mr. Webster offers these three: approval, compliment, praise. Surely these three words are more becoming the climate of a Christian classroom! But I don’t give my approval to Joshua who continually interrupts the learning process. I won’t compliment my students because as soon as I do, they misbehave. Praise? What do I have to praise my class for? They should behave because Jesus loves them!

I will agree with you. At times students need to be told privately or in a story that a behavior is disruptive, un-Christian, or wrong. But what is wrong with approval, compliment and praise? Maybe the terminology is wrong. Perhaps you would prefer the word edify. Edify your students.

I remember the first time I heard that word used. It was almost 22 months ago. I was reading a leadership book, “Launching a Leadership Revolution” (Brady & Woodward). I’m sure I couldn’t find the section of the book now that spoke of edification, but I remember the gist of the idea. Build people up…to instruct and improve as Mr. Webster says…hey, wait a minute…I should know that concept! Ephesians 4:16 speaks to the topic of building up the body of Christ, in love. This edification concept isn’t that new after all.

How can you edify your students? There are so many ways. Say “Hi!” to them and call them by name. Catch them doing something good. Encourage them in a task they are working on. Get to know their personalities. Know what their likes and interests are outside of school. The list could be longer, but you are smart and can “pick up what I am laying down”, I’m sure.

Use edification. Try it. You’ll like it! So will your students and your relationship with them will change and your classroom climate will improve exponentially!!