There is a popular, much-loved boy in my class named AJ. I think the popularity has been going to his head lately; he's developed just a bit of an attitude. Yesterday, his behavior was totally unlike him. He was out of his seat, talking nonstop, throwing crayons, and he called someone a very inappropriate name. I called his dad after school, and his dad was not happy. I suggested AJ come in before or after school and clean the classroom (there were bits of crayon everywhere). His dad had him there 10 minutes later.
I went next door to get a broom from another teacher. When I came back less than a minute later, AJ was sobbing. That boy cried almost the whole time he cleaned my room. I'm not sure what was said, but his dad never raised his voice. And I know he doesn't beat his kids or anything. So I am in awe of his parenting skillz. I hope that someday I'm that effective of a disciplinarian.
Today, AJ was back to his wonderful self. For the most part. There was an incident at lunch where his sandwich fell on the floor, and another student (who is such a little punk) stepped on it just to be a jerk. AJ got mad and stuffed the sandwich down the other student's shirt. I couldn't quite be upset with him for this. It was too hilarious. And besides, I wasn't actually there, so I couldn't punish him.
AJ also brought me a note from his mom today. It said that she has this friend at work who is such a nice guy, and she thinks we'd really like each other, and gave me his email address. I've only met his mom like, twice, so I'm not sure exactly what she knows about me. (God only knows what AJ tells her; I hope she didn't hear about the pimp song.) But I like going on dates, even if they don't work out. So maybe I will email him.
There are two kids in my class I'm really having trouble with. One is the sandwich-stepper-onner. He is so sneaky. He is always trying to start fights with other kids, but I never actually hear it. The class cheers when he is absent. The other one is the boy who brought the knife to school. He has this quiet rage about him that scares me. He just sits there glaring. I don't even think glaring is a strong enough word. His dad's in prison, and I think that's part of his anger. But he lives in a good home, so I don't know what his deal is. He doesn't do any work, he is a liar, a bully, and he tries to start fights between other students. My principal and I discussed these students today. We agreed that the social worker is needed (which won't do any good; she's too busy), but my principal said we need "creative consequences" because behavior contracts and the typical consequences aren't working. So any ideas for "creative consequences" would be much appreciated.
I went next door to get a broom from another teacher. When I came back less than a minute later, AJ was sobbing. That boy cried almost the whole time he cleaned my room. I'm not sure what was said, but his dad never raised his voice. And I know he doesn't beat his kids or anything. So I am in awe of his parenting skillz. I hope that someday I'm that effective of a disciplinarian.
Today, AJ was back to his wonderful self. For the most part. There was an incident at lunch where his sandwich fell on the floor, and another student (who is such a little punk) stepped on it just to be a jerk. AJ got mad and stuffed the sandwich down the other student's shirt. I couldn't quite be upset with him for this. It was too hilarious. And besides, I wasn't actually there, so I couldn't punish him.
AJ also brought me a note from his mom today. It said that she has this friend at work who is such a nice guy, and she thinks we'd really like each other, and gave me his email address. I've only met his mom like, twice, so I'm not sure exactly what she knows about me. (God only knows what AJ tells her; I hope she didn't hear about the pimp song.) But I like going on dates, even if they don't work out. So maybe I will email him.
There are two kids in my class I'm really having trouble with. One is the sandwich-stepper-onner. He is so sneaky. He is always trying to start fights with other kids, but I never actually hear it. The class cheers when he is absent. The other one is the boy who brought the knife to school. He has this quiet rage about him that scares me. He just sits there glaring. I don't even think glaring is a strong enough word. His dad's in prison, and I think that's part of his anger. But he lives in a good home, so I don't know what his deal is. He doesn't do any work, he is a liar, a bully, and he tries to start fights between other students. My principal and I discussed these students today. We agreed that the social worker is needed (which won't do any good; she's too busy), but my principal said we need "creative consequences" because behavior contracts and the typical consequences aren't working. So any ideas for "creative consequences" would be much appreciated.
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