The only times I saw the paddle …
April 15th, 2009, 1:39 pm · Post a Comment · posted by kylew
The Okaloosa County school board is considering a proposal that would do away with corporal punishment in county schools.
I do think parents need to allow schools to enforce more disciplinary measures, but I don’t think the paddle should be one of them.
Two quick related stories:
Story 1:
When we walked into our seventh grade industrial arts class, we saw what appeared to be a paddle hanging above the chalkboard.
When most of us flunked the first assignment — understanding how to measure using a ruler — the teacher said he really ought to use that paddle on us.
At that point, two kids volunteered to take a paddling. (Still not sure what to make of that. Maybe they were planning to sue).
The teacher acted like he was going to take a swing — and then turned the paddle over to reveal an oversized ruler.
“It would be better if I used this on you this way,” he said.
The teacher proceeded to review how to measure using a ruler, using the giant ruler for illustration.
Story 2:
My parents did not use spankings as a punishment.
It wasn’t because they were early 1980s liberals.
Rather, I’m told that after I got my first spanking at age 3, I was asked if I understood the reason for the spanking.
Supposedly, I replied, “Yes. It’s because you’re a wicked witch.”
There were no more spankings after that.
Should there be corporal punishment in schools? Post your thoughts below.
