If you have ever been to the beach, you are familiar with the danger of the Rip Current. The Rip Current is a steady flow of water that can pull you far away from the safety of the beach. Sadly, many people have drowned due to Rip Currents because they can be very powerful. As a matter of fact, Rip Currents are the number one reason lifeguards spring into action on the beach. However, there is a way to escape a Rip Current. See the sign below.
At times, there can exist a powerful Rip Current in your classroom. This Rip Current is a very negative thing. Classroom Rip Currents consist of your peers distracting you and the learning process. Classroom Rip Currents seek to pull you away from your ultimate goal of success. The tricky thing about Classroom Rip Currents is that they are very easy to go along with:
- I was just laughing
- I’m not the only one talking
- At least I finished my work
These statements seem like they are harmless, but they are not. They are indicative of someone who is in the classroom Rip current and doesn’t even know it. If the teacher doesn’t have the attention of everyone in the classroom, this can be a very dangerous thing. If you stay out of the RIP current, then the teacher can address any other distractions in the classroom. Consider the teacher your lifeguard. Listen to them and I promise you that you will be pleased with the outcome.
This is how you escape the Classroom Rip Current:
Remove – Remove yourself from anyone who would distract you in class. Your teacher may have already done this for you if you are caught in the Rip Current.
Inform – Inform everyone who would try to distract you that you will no longer be talking during class.
Pursue – Pursue the goals that you have set for the class and don’t waste your time on distractions.
Marvin Byrd (c/o 98)
It Can Be Done