It was Monday. We had no internet. But, luckily, the assignment for the day had the kiddos looking at "cards" of various images, some science related, some not. They were sorting and categorizing the images based on questions I wrote on the dry erase board (as my lovely little slide was inaccessible due to no internet).
Third period. Every teacher has that one class. The difficult group. The period they dread. For me, that has become third period.
The kiddos were working in the groups I had assigned. One group was having a personality conflict. A girl told me that Simon was bothering them, and they couldn't work with him.
The group wasn't one of the better behaved groups. But Simon and I have already had our issues. (This was the fourth time I'd had the class, and I already was aware of Simon. Enough said?)
Luckily, there was a group that was only two students, so Simon could join them. (I was going for groups of four, but there were a few groups of three just due to class numbers.)
Simon did not like that idea. He lashed out verbally. I let him say his piece, and then I insisted he move to the new group.
Later, Simon approached. His new group... Well, if I wanted a fitting consequence, I think I found it. The two students Simon was with were silent. Completely. They wouldn't talk.
This wasn't ideal, as the assignment was a group thing.
But, Simon was unable to irritate these students as they weren't engaging with him.
Perfect.
I could imagine it would be torture to want to engage but nobody will rise to the challenge. Clever way to solve the irritant problem!
ReplyDeleteIf only I had intended that and it had not been a happy accident ;)
DeleteThat does sound like an ideal consequence. Love those happy accidents!
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah. There is *always* that one period/group.
Smart kids! Don't engage the jerk and he loses his power. https://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/p/the-first-wednesday-of-fall
ReplyDeleteSo even the other students have an issue with Simon. You'd think he'd have learned by now and realized he's the problem.
ReplyDelete12-year-olds? Nah. They're not that self aware yet.
DeleteThere’s always that one standout
ReplyDeleteYup.
DeleteThat worked out nicely.
ReplyDeleteIt did.
DeleteHa! Perfect. You'll have to remember this grouping for the next project.
ReplyDeleteHopefully Simon learned a lesson?
ReplyDeleteNope. But I've moved him to a more isolated seat (where I can keep an eye on him). He hates it. So, win.
DeleteI doubt Simon learned his lesson. At least you had one small victory in the difficult student period.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on Simon. He got the "right under the teacher's nose" seat now. Which he hates. But I can keep him in check so much better.
DeleteYou couldn't have planned that better!
ReplyDeleteI know, right?
DeleteAwesome! And perhaps now you'll have future Simon solutions. :D Be well!
ReplyDeleteWorking on it.
Deletethecontemplativecat here. Do you have a Simon every year? Or was Damien the boy I am thinking of. You have a good attitude.
ReplyDeleteThere's always a Simon. Or Damien.
Deletewhat will happen with Simon in the future.
ReplyDeleteTwo smart boys!
ReplyDeleteYour approach to handling the situation was spot-on. You kept things calm and found a solution that worked for everyone.
ReplyDeleteRemaining calm with middle schoolers is the only way to go.
DeleteThis seems to remind me of my student life. Lol! Kids could be exhausting but also refreshing.
ReplyDeleteTrue.
DeleteSounds like Simon has some issues. I hope things work out, rather than reeve up as the year continues. Quiet is nice, but how will they get their project done. Good luck with the 3rd period. The year has just begun.
ReplyDeleteI only have them for a couple more weeks. My time with them is limited.
Delete