I used to have this small travel clock. On days when I was in a classroom where the clock didn't work or was missing, I would pull it out so I would know what time it was. (I don't wear a watch, and my phone lives in a buried part of my bag.) I need to know what time it is so I can time things like when it's time for the class to pack up their stuff.
It was day one in an eighth grade English class. They had a writing assignment, and things were going pretty smoothly. Third period was a bit of a challenge, but nothing too terrible for eighth graders.
At about three minutes until the end of the period, I noted the time via my travel clock, and then I announced to the class it was time to clean up.
They packed up, returned their books to the shelves, and generally did the get-ready-to-leave stuff.
The bell rang. As the class left, I went back to verify my travel clock's time was about right. (It's something I do frequently. If my clock is more than a couple minutes off, I'll fix it. If it's about a minute off, I remember to take that into account when I'm watching the time.)
I went back to where the clock was, only it wasn't. It was gone.
So, naturally, the next day I confronted period three about the missing clock right off the bat.
And they... were offended... by my accusations.
Offended. Them.
So, yeah, the clock is gone. And I'm sad about that. (It wasn't anything expensive, and it's probably time to replace the thing anyway, but that's not the point.)
But I'm not real happy with how they treated my announcement.
Two students "had to" step out they were so angry. At me. For accusing them of stealing my clock. (No, I didn't accuse them specifically. Because I have no idea who took it.)
Others complained that I had no right to accuse them of the theft. They weren't to blame. And they were so upset they couldn't take the scheduled quiz that day. (They took the quiz. I wasn't about to let them get away with that too.)
I don't know whether to laugh or cry at their audaciousness. At this point, please laugh.
Hi Liz - I could see that coming ... the pettiness - just sad. Cheers Hilary
ReplyDelete*shakes head* It was there and then it wasn't, I only wonder how it magically disappeared lol
ReplyDeleteBut it wasn't *them*. It may have been a student in the class, but how dare I accuse the whole class... *throws hands in air*
DeleteGeez, they'll take any excuse they can to try to wiggle out of a quiz. "We were falsely accused! We're so upset now!" I'm doing a major eyeroll right now.
ReplyDeleteWow, seriously? I'm glad you didn't let them get away with not taking the quiz.
ReplyDeleteBummer.
ReplyDeleteYup.
DeleteSeriously.....what is the deal with kids? They do wrong and then are offended that you ask about it...crazy.
ReplyDeleteI know, right?
DeleteIs that where our nation is headed? Sad. Very sad. And I'm sorry about the theft. That sort of thing upsets me. A neighbor girl once dumped on me by her pushy father stole some trinkets, probably because I wouldn't play with her. I was busy but her a$$hole father wouldn't take no for an answer. ~sigh~ I hope you get a better clock for little money. Be well!
ReplyDeleteDid you get your trinkets back?
DeleteAre you sure they took it? … Could it be misplaced?
ReplyDeleteBut, the way they responded definitely makes them look guilty.
At least it wasn't an expensive apple watch or smartphone that walked off with the class. 😳
Nope, not misplaced. I had it at 10:50. Four minutes later (after the kiddos were walking past where it was) it was gone. If it had been misplaced, I would have found it before the end of the day.
DeleteI wonder if they just hid it somewhere in the classroom. That whole incident would make me furious.
ReplyDeleteThey didn't really have that kind of time. (There's a 4 minute window for when it disappeared.) And I did look around all day for it after they left.
DeleteSuch defensive little snowflakes...
ReplyDeleteI know, right?
DeleteOh that kind of thing makes me so mad. Don't understand why people think they can take things that aren't theirs. I'd bet one that was so offended was in the guilty party, personally.
ReplyDelete