Since the start of the school year, I have been experiencing some conflict with my Principal regarding one of my students and how they are handled. To this date, the student has physically hit me four times, thrown scissors, rocks, and other objects at me, ran out the door of the classroom and down the hallway towards an exit door, and many other things. I have gone to my principal on a daily basis asking for help with this student since none of the strategies I have incorporated seem to be helping the negative behavior. When the behavior occurs, very little is done besides having him sit in the office for 15 minutes and then sent back to class. Each time I go to my principal for help, I am met with very little help, no sympathy, and no constructive ideas. This is very frustrating for me, and in turn I have gone to others asking for help.
Some strategies that I have tried are to play Devil’s advocate and bring up the scenario of this student hurting another student in the classroom. I try to make my principal realize that this is not a chance that can be taken, and even though the physicality has only been limited to me so far, it’s only a matter of time before it’s directed at someone else. I also bring up the fact that because of this negative behavior occurring on a daily basis, he is requiring so much of my focus and attention, that the other students are not getting the attention that they need and deserve, and it’s also only a matter of time before I start getting behind in curriculum because of the constant need to stop lessons and correct behavior. Another strategy I have tried is to be open and cooperative with parents, and try to work together for a positive outcome. This has been a challenge because the parents seem to be in denial about their child’s behavior.
I ask you, my colleagues, what would you do in this situation? What other strategies could I try? It as been a very stressful and exhausting year already, and I am open to any comments and suggestions. Thank you!
Hi Melanie,
ReplyDeleteMay I ask, where is the behavior specialist and/or counselors for your school? Have you had the opportunity to talk with this child's parents? The best advice that I can give is to document every interaction, converstation, and occurance between the child, parents, staff, and principal. This paper trail will serve as your many evidential attempts to get to resolve this behavior and conflict. Hope this helps.
Melanie
ReplyDeleteFirst let me say you are a great teacher and this child is begging for attention from anyone and everyone that comes in contact with him, Embrace this child, try to give him the floor to manage something everyday. Make him the classroom greeter and give him the opportunity to lead circle time. I am not sure if you have classroom helpers but giving or providing him with a classroom helper may give him an opportunity to shine. I just got back from a conference and heard this gentleman talk. He was this child you are describing. He told us that he wanted and needed attention and found anyway to get it. He said that write ups were what he was looking for. He wanted to get a referral in order to get attention. This little boy wants to go to the office it is just that much more attention that he gets. It is necessary to address this little boys physical-ness but maybe trying to provide him with a way to get attention without misbehaving could be a new approach. Although you may have already tried this too. Melissa Good Luck!!!
Melanie it seems that you have a student in your classroom just like me. The only thing I can say is to continue to go to the principal and worry the parents. Eventually someone is going to get tired of you and take care the situation you are having. It's not fair to the other children in the class.
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you are going through this very tumultuous year. I have been in your shoes and so thoroughly sympathize with you. I do believe you can handle it though and would strongly suggest you look into Conscious Discipline because when I was in your position it changed my life.
Annie P.