Request to wear the kilt - Believe it or not?

[bricelythgoe]

Exactly. Keep the principal happy, or at least off your back.

The principal spent two years in Scotland. He has his own kilt. I am not worried about him.

[Tobus]

Students shouldn't influence a teacher's dress.

Under normal circumstances I would agree. But if they're eager to see something that will open their minds to something that's out of their norm (i.e. they want to embrace multicultural values???), I'd say do it! It's not like they're a threat to your control over the classroom just because you agree to their request. This is the kind of thing that makes a teacher special to students; something they will remember in 20 or 30 years.

[bricelythgoe]

Under normal circumstances I would agree. But if they're eager to see something that will open their minds to something that's out of their norm (i.e. they want to embrace multicultural values???), I'd say do it! It's not like they're a threat to your control over the classroom just because you agree to their request. This is the kind of thing that makes a teacher special to students; something they will remember in 20 or 30 years.

I agree. If students asked me to do anything that would enhance their learning, I would never say no just because THEY asked me to do it.

I agree. They will remember the Spanish teacher that wore a kilt to school.

[B. Somm]

I'm suspicious by nature any way, but I would definitely be leary of wearing the kilt on the day that the student specified...especially since he didn't have a specific reason! I'm sorry, but kids don't ask stuff of their teachers unless there's a reason...somewhere!

Since he didn't give a reason, then wear it a couple of days before the requested day and see what happens. If he is sincerely interested, then the day shouldn't matter! (Maybe see if the principal will wear his as well.)

Kids (especially teens) can be mean little suckers! More so if they've been challenged or "peer pressured" into doing something by their buddies. Nothing like getting 'props' from your pals when you humiliate someone for sport...especially if that someone is a teacher!

Follow your gut instincts!

B.

P.S. What day did the student request? I'm looking forward to seeing what you end up doing and how it turns out!

[bricelythgoe]

I agree. Having been a middle school teacher for 4 years now, I am aware of what they can do. I think I almost have the Principal convinced to either wear his kilt or get new one that fits.

What happened was I told my students I was going to wear it on Burns day and I didn't. Ever since I told them I was wearing it, they have been asking about it. In fact, a 4th student today asked why I was not wearing it. I guess I am just not used to it. Usually they tell me not to wear it.

I'm suspicious by nature any way, but I would definitely be leary of wearing the kilt on the day that the student specified...especially since he didn't have a specific reason! I'm sorry, but kids don't ask stuff of their teachers unless there's a reason...somewhere!

Since he didn't give a reason, then wear it a couple of days before the requested day and see what happens. If he is sincerely interested, then the day shouldn't matter! (Maybe see if the principal will wear his as well.)

Kids (especially teens) can be mean little suckers! More so if they've been challenged or "peer pressured" into doing something by their buddies. Nothing like getting 'props' from your pals when you humiliate someone for sport...especially if that someone is a teacher!

Follow your gut instincts!

B.

P.S. What day did the student request? I'm looking forward to seeing what you end up doing and how it turns out!

[Earl D]

snip

What happened was I told my students I was going to wear it on Burns day and I didn't. Ever since I told them I was wearing it, they have been asking about it. In fact, a 4th student today asked why I was not wearing it. I guess I am just not used to it. Usually they tell me not to wear it.

Well there you go Brice, you said you were going to do something and then you didn't follow through. And they do remember. :mrgreen:
I coached a Lacrosse team that was made up of young men in that middle school age group which also included my oldest grandson. There was a time or two that I made a comment about picking up some extra practice equipment or bringing some 'after practice' treats and because of time constraints wasn't able to do what I said and boy they didn't let me forget about it.:buttkick: But it all turned out well-I recruited a team mom (my daughter) to pick up treats, did the equipment thing on days that we didn't practice and my boys were one of the top two teams (tied) in their age group.

[crboltz]

I teach college, and will be teaching a short term "Theater Appreciation" this semester (the whole class stuffed into 9 weeks instead of 15). I haven't taught the course in about 2 years, and I have a class roster full of students I know (who were waiting to take it until I was teaching it). 4 of them are planning on wearing their kilts the first day of class, and at least two others are trying to acquire a kilt by then so they can be part of the group. One student (from Hawaii) is going to wear his Lava Lava ( a wrapped skirt) the first day. At this rate, I suspect the only kids in p*nts will be the girls. Long story short -- I was told of their plans because they want to make sure I wear my kilt the first day (It has been rainy here on the days I don't teach in the scene shop, so I haven't worn my kilts much this semester as I don't like exposing my kilts to bad weather).
I hope your students, like mine, are interested in sharing various aspects of their cultural heritage, and they want you to share yours with them.

Best of luck,
Chris

[DesertCeltic]

It doesn't sound as if the student in question is requesting a specific day. That means either their intentions are innocent and they honestly want to see you wear a kilt or they have a plan that can be acted upon with little prior planning.

I say wear the kilt. I personally think of the great Benjamin Franklin quote "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

[McNulty]

Middle schoolers are a different breed of student. Been there, done that. High schoolers are a tad different. Mine ask me at least once a month why I don't wear the kilt all of the time/more often. I could, but I want to keep the admin folks happy. Do what feels best for YOUR students. You know them better than we do. Later on tie your wearin o the kilt to a Cultural Diversity Day or Heritage day and have those student participate in the activity. Best wishes either way you decide to go. Let us know what happens.
Nulty

[Woodsman]

When I served as a substitute teacher one of the middle schools I worked at had a "Heritage Dress Day" where students were encouraged to wear clothing that expressed something about their ethnic background. Printed flyers posted around the building advertised, "For example, if you are Scottish, wear a kilt."