Over the years, many educators and administrators have heard, used, or passed on the old proverb, “Don’t smile until Christmas”. The phrase is referencing to classroom management and discipline. The theory is that in order to gain authority and respect initially from your students; is to not smile, joke or promote any humor. Your first impression on students should be positive and welcoming. Students need and deserve an educational experience facilitated by positive adults (Ferlazzo, 2021). No student can benefit with an additional negative adult added to their lives. I am a firm believer that; teachers need a clear and precise classroom management system to succeed. However, students should feel they have entered an educational oasis not a correctional facility. Studies show that students do not perform for teachers they do not like or are uncomfortable with. Let’s stand back and think, “Why do teachers in classroom appear to be so unhappy?” As a student how would feel knowing for an entire school year, I have to interact with someone who appears to be unhappy and serious majority of the time. The most effective teachers know how to appear serious and firm but remain inviting, calm, and professional (Ferlazzo, 2021). Considering Harry Wong’s theory on classroom management presented in his book entitled “The 1st 100 Days of School”, I believe his response would not be supportive of this idea and would also provide evidence that discredits this old proverb. Mr. Wong’s response would probably go like,” Start the school year off in a celebratory mode. The very first days of school set the stage for the remainder of the school year. Set the tone of your classroom; make sure students understand what is asked of them and provide structure, consistency and remain fair. Remember the 1st day of school there are usually little to no discipline issues. Students are shy, anxious, quiet, and subdued. Provide students with a reason to be a part of your class and take ownership in their learning. Do everything in your power to make students feel welcomed and keep in mind that the very 1st day determines the level of respect your students will display and gauges your success for the upcoming school year.” Contrary to popular belief, the #1 problem in classrooms is not discipline but the lack of rituals, routines, and procedures (Hensley et al., 2007). Classroom management is not fueled by discipline but management. You can manage a store but not discipline it; you can even manage a restaurant but not discipline it. With that being said you can manage a classroom but not discipline it. Behavior will rarely be an issue if effective teaching is underway, which starts with teaching students’ routines and procedures. Your attitude determines the “climate” of your classroom. Your students feed and react off of your energy and attitude (Hensley et al., 2007). Attitudes are contagious whether good or bad. I believe I can go on to say with the support of Mr. Wong, is that the first thing your students should see entering and leaving your class daily is a “SMILE”.

    My predictions I conclude the Wongs' response to the recommendation, "Don't smile until Christmas" is to simplify the reasonings. I believe that the Wongs would start by discussing the statement first. Next, I believe the Wongs would begin to research the reasonings of such. After analyzing the text information, I concluded that as highly educators require observation and reactions. The Wongs would begin to examine the quote by using their approach within classroom management first. Secondly use their overarching strategy on observing students. Lastly, they will use their principal roles to discuss what is expected of the students. Whenever individuals think of folk wisdom, curiosity comes to mind of tale or fate. My opinion is that the world could research this and everyone would still have their perception. When thinking about the quote: "Don't smile until Christmas", I think about how it can relate to teachers and students. I believe it relates to teachers because the expectations they have set for the students are all positive. This becomes an issue to being blindsided of knowing that students are developing, growing, and making mistakes daily. For instance, the students can start the school year by following the rules, behaving great, listening, and being interested in learning. Towards the end of the year, students have started breaking the rules, misbehaving, not paying attention, and not showing concerns towards learning. Wongs mentioned in the text that teachers are to remain strong without changing their expected and taught rules. Instead, Wongs believes that teachers must enforce them again. It recalls for a management plan, developing expected requirements for students, and also remembering the rules of behavior. The Wongs would also suggest the recommended steps in evaluation and a follow-up with each student. Teachers must always expect unexpected behavior coming from the students. Teachers should always plan, be prepared and be able to critique necessary changes. Additionally, teachers should use this quote to remember as a helpful tool when noticing changed behavior.

Since the Wongs propagate control and strict discipline in class, they would generally agree with the adage “Do not smile until Christmas,” but with some corrections. Mr. and Mrs. Wong would paraphrase it as “Do not smile until effective classroom management established.” “Until Christmas” is an unreasonably long term to be excessively strict with students. Only a few first weeks are usually enough to create an efficient learning environment with disciplined students understanding their priorities and permissions. After this period, the need to avoid “smile” disappears, and students know the limits they cannot breach.

The Wongs would also add that the “Do not smile” system is ineffective in the long term since the primary focus should be on creating a teacher`s plan. Only when the teacher knows exactly how each of his lessons should go will he have control over the situation. Once students are accustomed to a specific routine of the learning process and understand the expectations, it makes no difference whether the teacher “smiles or not.” The self-regulated system is created, and no misbehavior happens. That is why the Wongs believe that teacher`s plan is the key to discipline.

To conclude, Mr. and Mrs. Wong`s response to the stated adage would be ambiguous. They would agree on the need for discipline in the classroom but prefer a completely different approach. The rapid establishment of efficient classroom management and having a plan for each lesson is the central concept that helps teachers control the situation and avoid misbehavior.