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Post: Kids won't listen......
Posted by not trying to cause controversy. on 6/23/08
I teach in a new private school that is 90% african
american students. Most of these students come from a
close by private school that is all african american
including the teachers. Last year was my first year at
this school and I quickly learned that the students would
not listen to even simple direction given by me becuase I
am white and I don't scream. (I tested this theory out by
having another familiar teacher who is african american
give instructions one day) I refuse to scream at children,
I do not think it is appropriate for anyone to scream and
yell at children. All the white teachers in my school had
this problem. Where any teacher or personel who were
african american instantly garnered respect, authority and
was completely feared by the students. The students would
not respond unless we either a) screamed or b) offered an
immediate reward (aka candy). We tried everything. Card
systems, positive reinforcements, taking recess away, and
so many other things. The background on these children
are that they come from an environment that is
workbook/worksheet oriented and were told not to talk or
do anything all day except thier worksheets. So imagine
our surprise when the children had no social skills, could
not work in groups, or recieve direct instruction without
the classroom erupting in chaos, fighting, and behaviour
problems. I am worried about starting another year with
the upcomming group. The group comming to me is comming
from the teacher next door. I heard her, another white
teacher, scream at them all day all last year. It really
bothered me so I approached her and asked her why she had
to yell so much. She told me that the students wouldn't
follow directives unless she was doing so. So I observed
in her class one day and saw the same thing. She tried
positive reinforcements and so on. She was right. It
didn't work. Now that I am recieving her group this
year.......I'm worried. I don't want to scream at kids
all day. Its not right. I'm really not trying to cause a
racial controversy here, but I think this might be
something cultural and I am asking for some advice on how
to deal with this. I don't want to spend next school year
yelling or giving out candy.
Posts on this thread, including this one
- Kids won't listen......, 6/23/08, by not trying to cause controversy..
- Re: Kids won't listen......, 6/23/08, by fair question.
- Re: Kids won't listen......, 6/23/08, by Tom.
- Re: Kids won't listen......, 6/23/08, by Kel/IL/2nd.
- Re: Kids won't listen......, 6/23/08, by quick question.
- Re: Kids won't listen [Ideas = TOME], 6/23/08, by Tom.
- Re: Kids won't listen......, 6/25/08, by Old Fashioned Discipline.
- Re: Kids won't listen......, 6/26/08, by Viola Swamp.
- Re: Kids won't listen......, 7/14/08, by Kioni Carter.
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