I teach children. Ages 8-14. Yesterday, there were so many I couldn't handle- kids off the wall. Openly defiant, refusing to work, hateful, and spiteful. Everything I used to give to my teachers, I'm getting back- fine, I get it.
Meanwhile, I have to do something to be able to teach these kids. After first period yesterday, I had already given three lunch detentions (which are to be served with me during my own lunch, so, yeah...), two stern talking-tos after class, and sent one to the office with an office referral. Karma. I know.
Since I don't have 100% responsibility yet, my mentor teacher (yes, she did return to work this week!) called the parents of three of my most "challenging" students (of which two are siblings- and one is the person I sent to the office). Between my own conversations with the kids and my mentor teacher's phone calls home, here is what I learned about my kids...in one day:
1) The two siblings, who have four cousins that have been living in their house for the last four years while the cousins' parents (one of which is another student of mine) are "out of town," whatever that means. This week, the cousins are moving to Pennsylvania because their parents are "back" and the kids feel like they are losing their own siblings.
2) One has been on many different medications over the years, and- because of the way they make him feel- the family (and doctor, I assume) tried to half one of the doses for a few days to see if the kid could cope. He couldn't.
3) One student lost his father when he was four and his mother when he was five- one to cancer and one to a car accident. Since then, he has lost three beloved pets, three grandfathers, and one of the two uncles he lives with is also dying. Did I mention we started the Family Unit in Spanish this week?
I do not know how to help these kids, yet alone teach them that "madre" means "mother."
3 comments:
If there is one thing I know about you, Ms. Peaches, it is that you are someone who does not give in and anytime you have a challenge, you want to overcome it.
that's why i think this may be perfect for you, this career path.
well, at least until you master it and then are bored. ;)
lovelovelove
Todays kids face many more challenges that you did as a kid.. maybe not more just different... your childhood was far from perfect but yet your antics were contained to verbal nastiness towards the teacher.. i dont remember any calls from the principal stating that you were ABUSIVE and out of control... sure you were a CHALLENGE, it is so early in this path for you.... they know you are not a "REAL TEACHER" yet and that you are just practicing on them.. be easier on yourself.. sounds like TLC is what some of these brats need!!!! Love you daughter~~
At our "beginning of the year" in-service, our superintendent introduced us to the "17/7 Rule" Meaning you only have these kids for 7 hours a day (or in your case, even less since they switch classes). He encouraged us to FOCUS on the 7 hours we have them. There are SO MANY crappy things that happen in those 17 hours at home that we cannot control. It is way too overwhelming to think about the hours we lose with these poor kids. Focus on the ground you CAN cover in those 7 hours.
....yea, I know that doesn't help. :) HANG IN THERE!!!! It sounds like you have the support of your principal and teacher which is amazing. Maybe they are just testing the "new gal." Haha...Chin up!!!
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