Wednesday, May 20, 2015

King Charles


Charles' seat was at the back of the room. He had no neighbors to either side. In front of him was an aisle.

I call is the iso-seat. The kid that sits in the iso-seat is the kid that's been isolated from the rest of the group. Generally with very good reason.

Charles could not sit still. On the one hand, I feel sorry for him. He probably has issues. But on the other... The boy was breaking out dance moves--in his seat--for no reason whatsoever. And he wasn't doing the assignment. At all.

(I was in this 8th grade U.S. history class all week. They had an 11 page packet to complete. Charles wasn't making much headway.)

He whined about doing the work. He got out of his seat for the most spurious of reasons. And when I'd go to stand next to him, he got really uncomfortable. (This worked well for me. I could leverage him into writing something on his paper by promising him I'd leave as soon as he did.)

Then on Thursday a miracle occurred. I didn't notice right away. Sometime in the passing period, I noticed Charles. Or rather, I noticed the absence of Charles. I held my breath...

The bell rang.

Charles was absent! Hooray!

According to the online attendance, he had an "illness". Not that I wished him sick, but it was amazing to not have to chase after him for a day.

Unfortunately, he returned Friday. Sigh.

As for the title of this post, it comes from Charles' backpack. He had King Charles written on it. Um, okay...
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23 comments:

  1. PaulaMay 20, 2015 at 9:07 AM

    I love the nickname King Charles! And I can just imagine how happy teachers on when a child stays home sick (especially a child like this)!

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    1. Liz A.May 20, 2015 at 5:36 PM

      Oh, so true. I found out the next day he wasn't absent the whole day. He went home sick during 1st period.

      Delete
  2. Sherry EllisMay 20, 2015 at 10:48 AM

    Sounds like the kid had ants in his pants!

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  3. Stephanie FarisMay 20, 2015 at 11:48 AM

    Well...at least he doesn't lack for confidence.

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  4. J E OneilMay 20, 2015 at 2:56 PM

    Adding "king" is the only good nickname for some names. I just wonder if anyone else calls him that.

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  5. ClickMay 20, 2015 at 10:55 PM

    Sounds like a bit of a headache for you. I kind of feel sorry for him as well though, I wonder what will happen when he leaves school and doesn't have people to watch over him like that.

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    1. Liz A.May 21, 2015 at 1:49 PM

      I'm kinda hoping that he matures out of it. It's possible.

      Delete
  6. PL KeenorMay 21, 2015 at 12:11 AM

    I wonder if he knows what happened to King Charles I. If he misbehaves much more you might have to point it out to him!

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  7. UnknownMay 21, 2015 at 12:13 AM

    It's amazing how the absence of just one child can change the chemistry of the class and the outlook for the day. I have two in my class like this. I feel sorry for them because they just can not sit still. It drives me bonkers though.

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    1. Liz A.May 21, 2015 at 1:50 PM

      I know. There are days when I get warnings about various students, and then they turn out to be absent. Those classes aren't as bad as warned.

      Delete
  8. Chrys FeyMay 21, 2015 at 6:34 AM

    Sometimes teachers and subs need a break from those trouble-making kids.

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  9. bettyMay 21, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    A one day reprieve was probably good. You are right, got to feel sorry for Charles, makes you wonder if just a touch of medicine might settle him down a bit.

    betty

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    1. Liz A.May 21, 2015 at 1:51 PM

      It might. But then again, he just might choose to behave that way.

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  10. SunniMay 21, 2015 at 8:31 AM

    I'm sure it's a pain keeping "King" Charles in line. Clearly he has some issues and should probably see a doctor or mental health professional.

    Sunni
    http://sunni-survivinglife.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Liz A.May 21, 2015 at 1:52 PM

      Perhaps. I have no idea what sort of interventions are already in place for him.

      Delete
  11. lyndagraceMay 21, 2015 at 3:19 PM

    Do you find that if a kid like Charles finds an interest, something he can get passionate about, it might change his whole outlook?

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  12. BirgitMay 21, 2015 at 5:34 PM

    Too bad he wasn't sick for the whole week. Again I wonder if he has ADD or something like that

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  13. Barbara In CaneyheadMay 21, 2015 at 6:01 PM

    He either has had a total lack of authority in his life or he has real issues that need to be addressed. Yet, a sub can't change the world. Just one of the many reasons I laughed in someone's face when they once suggested I sign up for substitute teaching.

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  14. BrianeMay 22, 2015 at 5:26 AM

    Extra-challenging for you to get into a situation like that, wiithout much background or rapport with the kid. Good idea on keeping him focused.

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