Yes Sir, That's my Baby!

I have a well behaved group of kids this semester. Some are a little more spirited than others, however no complaints overall! There is this student in one of my classes who is usually very well mannered. He will tell you that he is lazy. I have to motivate him to participate in group activities. On Thursday of this week, he refused to communicate with his group. He also refused to do a workbook/reading assignment I had given him (after he refused his group work). I counseled him outside the classroom to make him aware of his choices. "Do your assignment or get written up." He stands outside the door and tries to debate: " Ms. W-, how do you know I'm not brain storming? I could be thinking about my next project." My response was simple:" Listen, C-, This is not up for discussion. Choose ye this day." He chose to get written up. I wrote him up. I started thinking how he is just really so well mannered and had never put up a fight before.
I called his mom on her cell. She was very receptive. She agreed that his behavior was strange. She told me that he likes my class because he talks about the class (in a positive way) quite often. She agreed to speak with him to see if anything was bothering him. I suggested that he speak with his school counselor. I told her not to worry about the after school detention on Friday (today).

Today was good because I entreated him like the same respectful student he is. I greeted him like I always do. I gave him a hearty smile before he left my class today. He asked me if he needed to go to the counselor today. I told him he could participate in the video observation activity or go to the counselor. He decided to stay with me and we had no problem. I am going to suggest he go to the counselor on Monday.

One of our administrators here highly recommends student contracts. Have them to sign signifying they do understand their role and expected behavior in the classroom. Should they break the contract, they have to suffer the consequences of breaking the contract. It's just that simple. Oh yeah, the parents have to sign as well. As a matter of fact, I will implement a contract for my Morning Show participants this Fall. Some of the crew that broadcasts our live 15 minute show are not on my class roll, so I have the responsibility of making their job responsibilities and school behavior expectations clear. For example, if you are habitually late to class you will NOT be allowed to work with the Morning Show. Working with the broadcast crew is a privilege, school performance is priority!

I don't bother the parents with trivial stuff, but when my 'momma radar' goes off I must contact parents/guardians to let them know about their children's peculiar behavior. Drugs, abuse, depression or any other situation could cause less than desirable behavior from our students. I would hate for one of my little lovlies to fall prey to a dire situation and their odd outbursts of rebellion were signs from them pointing to the source of their frustration. We are (like) the moms and dads of these children while they are away from home so we should entreat them as our own... proper discipline included.