So before today I had never thrown students out of my classes before. But today I kicked 5 people out of classes. Three from skills, one from science (actually one of the ones from skills), and one from a math class I subbed. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I think I went on a power trip...but maybe it was more like a collision of odds. In Skills they were taking a test and these kids finished early and won't stop fooling around. In science the kid woouldn't stop talking and fooling around. In Math the kid was playing with a girl's crutches while my back was turned. Craziness.
But I will have to figure out where my lines are and give warnings to kids. I don't believe in no chances, except when its something like the crutches. That's ust ridiculous. They know better. Oh, they are so much worse when I'm subbing. It's crazy. Probably because some of the work is silly...busy work to make it easy on the sub. And because they do not deal well with change. Transitions are really hard for most kids and for the group as a whole. I'd like to ruminate on that subject some more, but I need to make sure I am set for another day tomorrow.
About Me
- Jess
- I dream big, but I have no idea where I will end up. I am a middle school science teacher, but I want to go back to school. I am interested in the broader field of education and the possibilities of alternative education. I am also an artist. I design and build furniture from recycled materials and play around with other forms of mixed media art. On the horizon is traveling, starting a school, and building a dream house that is disguised as a giant art installation.
SWAPS
2 comments:
So, a week has gone by. Was there any fallout from this: good or bad? Did the kids act better in the following days..or worse? Or was it like it never happened? Did Jodie or the principal seem concerned that you had kicked so many kids out in one day?
Chances.... yeah.... I think one warning is good, unless it is a true safety issue. Beyond one..... kids just seem to learn to see how far they can push it each time.
In general one tip I like is: Rules without relationship lead to rebellion. Translated: you can usually get away with implementing rules to the same extent that you have invested in the kids and have a relationship with them. It is a parenting tip but I think it basically applies to teaching too. If you go overboard with the discipline (ias compared to the relationship you have) you are likely to get rebellion.
I think that day I was on a power trip and just sick and tired of the kids acting up. Luckily I am in a great school and there was no fallout from anyone. I talked to teh math teacher (to whose room they went) about it a little but she didn't have any huge reaction. She just heard my frustration and unsettledness about having done it for the first time. So it was good. I have sent some kids out since and I actually just made 5 min, 10 min, and until you feel ready "take a break" cards so I don't have to send them out for the whole class but they can take a break.
I like that tip. It makes sense. And relationships are something that I try to build everyday, but there is never enough time in a school day.
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