Popularity among youth students

[parkerlineage]

I am sixteen, so a young instructor, like you.

Of the assistant instructors, I know I am the kid's favorite, because I have heard them say that, and have had their parents tell me so.

I got to that position by being friendly, but not a friend, like many above have stated. I joke, smile, tease, and establish my authority with an iron thumb if things start to get out of hand. The best way to make kids not like you is to be constantly yelling and doling out punishments - establish your authority as soon as you see things beginning to get out of hand so that you don't spend the rest of the class trying to regain control.

Don't be afraid to develop impersonal personal relationships with the students. I forget their names all the time, but they all think I'm their best friend. Joke with them, give out compliments freely and correct subtly - I hate it when the other assistant instructors criticize students in front of the entire class at the top of their lungs (unless, of course, the student has a big head and needs to be deflated), and so do the kids.

My final tip is to be just and caring - if two students are arguing, I separate them until such time as I can take them both quietly aside, have them relate their stories to me, and then smooth things out by having them both apologize - and then keep them separated.

Peace;

Parkerlineage

[Cmon]

I agree with remembering their names.

My instructer is terrible with names, he looks at the people who have been going for a while and he has to think hard about the name. But he has little sayings for everyones name to remember them. Mine: Simple Simon.

[ramymensa]

You have to be popular without looking like you want to Act nice, treat them with repsect, have a smile for anyone and try to be fair no matter what. They'll respect you and you'll be popular too.

[danege]

my sifu and i are friends...but i show the upmost respect for him when we are training.