Special ed. U.S. history. Fifth period. They had terms to define.
"May I use the restroom?"
The teacher had given me a list of "no go" students. They had "abused her trust" and had therefore lost out-of-class privileges. So, when the boy asked the question and I heard rumblings of "you're not allowed to go", I made sure to double check the list.
Yep, he was one of the three.
Oh, he was incensed. Angry at the others for ratting him out.
"It's not them," I told him. "Your teacher left me a list, and you're on it."
Oh he argued. And whined. And begged. But it sounded to me like he probably left the room and didn't return for half the period. I've had those issues. I'll trust the teacher on this one.
I got class started, and then I walked the room. The boy had his head down on his desk. I tried to get his attention, but he wouldn't budge.
He was pouting.
Okay, fine. I could let his teacher know this.
A bit later, he asked me if he could leave the room. This time he wanted water. He was thirsty, and he couldn't work because he was thirsty.
So, which was it? Did he need to use the restroom, or was he thirsty? And before you say both...
When I told him he couldn't leave, he said he thought he could only not leave for the restroom. He thought a water break would be permissible.
Sigh.
I let his teacher know all of this. Perhaps she'll have a conversation with him.
It's stories like these that remind me why I'm glad my path swerved from classroom teaching. More power to you, Liz. I mean it.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just really, really don't want to be in class :P
ReplyDeleteI think he's chancing it. You don't want a drink if you already need to go the bathroom!
ReplyDeleteLol, gotta love the logic. Hmm, can't get out for this reason so if I say this reason they will let me go. It was good the teacher left you the list, although maybe the class would have been easier if he did just disappear *wink*
ReplyDeleteA very legalistic argument.
ReplyDeleteThat kid could be a great attorney someday.
If he'd apply himself, sure. But law school is more work than he wants to do.
DeleteI love how they get incensed then try to bargain and even try to gaslight you.
ReplyDeleteThey try everything. It's the reason my blog exists :)
DeleteAre they allowed water bottles in the classes? But then of course if they have water then they'll have to use the bathroom.
ReplyDeletebetty
Hi Liz - talk about twisting and turning ... and if they have water bottles presumably they'll have fights - oh the joys of teaching ... enjoy the weekend - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHe sure was trying to find a way out of that room.
ReplyDeleteWhich shows how accurate the teacher's list was. I have a feeling he would have disappeared for the period if I had let him go (and who knows what mischief he would have wrought when left to his own devices?).
Delete::snort:: Try again kiddo. lol
ReplyDelete