It was an easily distractible 7th grade math class. "Easily distractible" is code for "just as soon as the class gets settled, someone will sneeze, and a chorus of 'bless you' will erupt in a louder and louder spiral that soon becomes an entire class engaged in random conversation".
Seriously. It could be anything. Anything will set them off.
(The opposite of "easily distractible" is when the fire alarm will start blaring. We get a fast "all clear". And in seconds, the students are again working silently. I have seen both scenarios play out.)
This particular class did work silently. In fits and starts. But a dust mote would start the talking again. I couldn't move from my spot in the front center of the room, because the talking would start.
Deep sigh.
They had just settled to silence (again) when it started to rain. Loudly.
"Is it raining?" and the boy jumped up to go look out the window.
"P.E. will be cancelled," with the immediate response, "No, we'll have to run in the gym."
"I'm not going outside."
"I wore shorts today."
Yep, any little thing and they all have to chime in. But the boy complaining that he wore shorts? (He wasn't alone. At least 4 of the 17 in class were in shorts. But that's pretty normal around here.) I had something to say to that boy.
The forecasted high for the day was about 65°. With a 10% chance of rain. (According to my weather app.)
I explained to the boy that it was his responsibility to check the weather (and weather apps on their phones are ubiquitous) so he could dress appropriately.
"But that's my mother's job."
Me: "Does your mother pick out your clothes?"
"Yes."
Oh. Never mind, then. He's right. That would be her job...
Also, this is my week at Unicorn Bell. I'd love it if you'd stop by. I'm talking about social media marketing.
Kids are easily distractible - especially at this time of year!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah. This week especially. (This incident is from last week, but the excitement had already started.)
DeleteReally? A seventh grader letting his mom pick out his clothes for him? Come on, kid. Get it together.
ReplyDeleteKids nowadays, I just don't know. Or is it parents nowadays? Either way, the future sounds shaky with such soon-to-be adults. Thanks for putting up with them and teaching.
ReplyDeleteEven on the coldest days a few of the kids wear shorts.
DeleteShorts in cold weather is a teen boy thing in NJ.
ReplyDeleteReally? I guess they like to show that they're tough or something.
DeleteMost schools here are uniform. Most uniforms are pretty ugly, so kids do what kids do and tweek and twist the uniform and too much time is spent by teachers policing the look. 'What's with the jumper/shoes/hair/earrings/nail polish/ coloured bra - have you got a note from home? Oh well then go to the office.' Kids get sent home to change! What a waste of effort and time!
ReplyDeleteWe have that here, only it's called "dress code". They get to wear what they want but within certain parameters.
DeleteThe 'bless you' thing would get my blood pressure up!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely sets my teeth on edge.
DeleteDo you believe him that his mom picks out his clothes? Once the kids got old enough to distinguish between hot and cold weather, I kind of let them go with what they wanted to wear; they learned their lessons quickly if they dressed inappropriately for the weather :) (I would suggest perhaps what they were wearing wasn't the best choice for the day's weather forecast, but if they were adamant about wearing the outfit, out the door they went :)
ReplyDeletebetty
That one boy? Yes. The rest of the class erupted in choruses of nos when I asked the question, so he was in the minority.
DeleteShaking my head once again. I cannot not imagine picking out clothes for a 7th grader. I think I would find a way of curing that problem. He wouldn't like the outfits I picked out. Maybe she is a helicopter parent.
ReplyDeleteWhen I asked the boy the question, most of the class also chimed in with nos. So, either she's a helicopter parent, or... Yeah, I don't have an "or" for that.
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