I lucked out with a government class. Seniors.
The funniest part was how many of them I knew. I looked at the roll sheets and recognized a good third of the students. Then the classes walked in, and I recognized another third.
I remember that girl. She was so upset in the eighth grade that her classmates were horrible. I promised her it would get better... Oh, I remember that boy. He gave me such a hard time in that special ed. class that one day...
And there's just something about senior year. They grow up. I'm never sure how it happens, but it does.
I recognized Vaughn the minute he walked in. I've encountered him many times over the years. When I first met him, I always braced for trouble. Over the last year, that stopped.
I also recognized Blake. He and Vaughn are friends. I've seen them goofing off outside of class many times.
It was the beginning of second period. Blake walked up to me. He asked if he could sit next to "the boy in the white long-sleeve shirt". I did not say that I knew who Vaughn was. I just nodded. And let him.
Any other year, the answer would be no. But the class walked in calmly. I just knew I was going to have a silent class. And I saw no reason to deny him.
Sure enough, the class worked silently all period. Blake and Vaughn barely communicated. (It wasn't a test. It was a "Voter Turnout Activity". They were analyzing the voter turnouts for 2016 via online resources.)
I do occasionally get to see this. They do grow out of it. And those that don't get sent to the continuation high school.
As a parent I noticed a remarkable change in both of my children as they entered their senior year of high school.
ReplyDeleteAmazing, isn't it? They just suddenly grow up.
DeleteI think your last sentence said it so well. If they don't grow out of it, they do end up in continuation high school and I would imagine some with a criminal record. It is good though to see progress like this and see growth and maturity come to them!
ReplyDeletebetty
Sounds like a lovely class.
ReplyDeleteIt was.
DeleteThat's an uplifting story.
ReplyDeleteHow reassuring that most grow out of challenging behaviour.
ReplyDeleteThey do. I'm surprised at some of them who I thought would never grow out of it.
DeleteAh, maturity is a wonderful thing. For my son, it took a bit longer but when maturity hit....as I said, it was a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteIt does vary.
DeleteNotice a big change in my sons as they become Jr and Sr. I guess it they know the real world out there.
ReplyDeleteBehaving like that has to be a big change a and a welcome one! Makes the day go easier and helps with the mood of the day. Glad to see that not everyday is a pain. Like I said before, takes a special person to be able to teach.
ReplyDeleteNo, not every day is a pain. At this moment I have a room full of kiddos working silently. It happens.
DeleteThat's so cool. It might not make an exciting story, but it's nice to hear there's hope for the future!
ReplyDeleteThat's my big problem. Easy day for me = boring day for the blog.
DeleteI was about to type Red's opening comment. :) Good teachers pay a key role. ~nods~ I hope you're no longer hurting and enjoying your refurbished bedroom. Be well!
ReplyDeleteThe ankle is healing slowly. My big issue right now is swelling.
DeleteThey do tend to "simma down" around Senior year, don't they? I'm glad the boys didn't give you any trouble!
ReplyDeleteKim
I was glad, too.
DeleteYes as parents we all live in hope! I'm loving how my son at 23 yrs old is just tuning into the planning/thinking before leaping off cliffs part of his brain!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds about right. The human brain doesn't fully mature until about age 25.
DeleteSo there's hope for my Barbarians yet? Lol
ReplyDelete