I called 2 parents today. One to see if she could come in to talk about her son and help us come up with an game plan for him and another to inform her I would be sending home work that her child failed (from rushing through). Both mothers were receptive, and I really tried hard to come across as a team player and not upset or "in your face". I have realized throughout this semester the importance of parent rapport. I did not call parents with positive things like I had planned, so therefore, every time I went to call them about an "issue", I felt totally guilty; I guess I now know the priority that will have in my class.
I did leave a message with one parent last night (an encouraging one), and the student came in this morning and told me (I could tell he was proud). I spoke with another student today about how we seemed to not be on the best of terms the past few days, and so we kind of mended that, which greatly improved her behavior. Amazing what a little communication can do!
I don't know what it is...but the kids are driving me nuts during instruction; they are not responding to me like they usually do; I'm sure I'm getting tired, and they are being tossed between the two of us...many factors play in, but it's tough. I pray God's grace will be greater than what I can handle.
We have one student that we are trying to figure out...Professor Forshey, it's different (it being whatever is going on inside his head). I wish I had time and the words to type it out, but it's almost like Jeckel (sp?) and Hyde. I feel like something else is controlling him...maybe I should just pray over the room and over his desk...see what that will bring. He's bit pencils, stomped his feed, thrown a shoe, stayed out in the hall for a long time because he didn't want to do what we asked; today, he laid on the floor at the end of school and wouldn't get up. We've tried a checklist, a sticker chart with the best reward at school we can come up with, ignoring him, giving him room to cool off, having him participate, encouraging the good, etc. That's why we are going to meet with his mom this week to see if we can collaborate...We have an idea that just might work if we are all on board together!
We'll see!
I didn't get those materials to you today; hopefully tomorrow!
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Olivia,
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you are learning all the way to the end! Good experiences that are allowing you to see the many facets of being a teacher.
As for your one student...has special education been considered? Sounds like it could be one of multiple issues...bipolar, opposition defiant disorder, attention deficit disorder. These are the first thoughts. Of course, I don't know the student nor the pattern of behavior over the years however; it sounds like it is serious enough to impact learning. I think you have the right first step by meeting with the parents.
No problem with the Carbo books, just get them when you can.
I'll be praying for you!
Prof. Forshey
PS You are going to learn how much a holiday such as Christmas can change behavior drastically in little ones!!