I was giving the class when her giggling drew my attention. Walking over to the young trouble-maker, I asked for the note in her hands. It was a had-drawn picture of me, teeth blackened, nostrils  upwards, and the words "I'm stupid" coming out of my mouth. I managed to fold up the picture calmly and continue the class. My mind, however, was working angrily. I knew the two most likely suspects for drawing the picture. Maybe it was high time that I taught them a lesson! Somehow, in the very moment of real hurt and anger, I asked myself very softly, "How can I ever bring good out of this?" When there were about six minutes left of the class, I showed the kids the picture. The whole class was silent. I told them there must be a reason behind such a picture and that now was their chance to tell me the reason. Then I let them write silently while I stood sadly in the back of the classroom. Most of them either blamed the artist or felt sorry. But two notes, from the girls I figured were behind the picture, had a list of issues. I was too mean and too strict. Reading those notes, I realized that where I thought I was driving them to success I was actually driving them away. I had some apologizing to do. When the kids walked into my classroom the next day, one boy and one girl each handed me a card. The one signed by all the boys expressed sincere regret for the ugly joke. The one from the girls asked for forgiveness. I was extremely surprised. And more than a little shameful. I had my little speech all ready to give to the kids, but they did it before me. Why did the teacher give up punishing the students who drew the picture?
Because the didn't want to stop in the middle of the class. Because she didn't exactly know who drew it Because she didn't think it would do any good. Because the students' apology removed her anger.