Re: I have "Raul" in my class now

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I am a high school public speaking teacher. I have "Raul" in my
class right now. He is 17 years old, technically still in the 9th
grade, 6 foot 2 inches tall. He wears his pants saggy, always had
the hoodie on and the earbuds in the ears. He doesn't really do
homework or sometimes classwork, but he's still in school and
hasn't dropped out. He's always on time to class. Sometimes he is
obnoxious to his classmates but mostly he ignores and and they
ignore him, until this week (true story here.)

My students had to give a speech titled "A Memorable Experience."
Most students spend time preparing an outline or even a power
point presentation. "Raul" didn't do any of the preparation for
the speech, but when it came time to speak he took the podium
(much to my surprise.) He then began to speak without notes, about
his mother and father, how his teachers thought that he was adhd
when he was little because of his crazy behaviors in school, how
he didn't make many friends because of this. He explained that his
mother left him with his grandmother when he was in grade school
and only 2 weeks ago did she call him again. She has been homeless
and drug/alcohol addicted. He began to cry at the podium, this big
strong man-child. He said that he has been involved with a gang
but now he knows he must change so that he can be there for his
mother and not follow her path in life.

After his speech, which had most of the class in tears, several
classmates commended him for his honesty and bravery and said that
their opinion of him has changed from negative to positive. Some
had known him since grade school. Just wanted to say hang in there
for "Raul" so that he can eventually make this breakthrough. It
might save his life.
-Anon

On 12/11/09, Sara wrote:
> On 12/09/09, mmkay wrote:
> Some people are just naturally annoying - it's hardly just
> some children. Does he hurt intentionally? Or is that he
> can't keep his hands to himself?
>
> I think things like star charts wear off fairly quickly -
> impulsive behavior - which is what this kid has it seems to
> be - is just that- impulse. 1st graders with impulse issues
> can't cure them overnight.
>
> I also find that many kids become more wound up in the weeks
> before Christmas - it's not uncommon. If he's sitting at his
> lunch place, and his rug place etc - than he has made some
> progress. You've settled him in some regard.
>>>
>> But there will be no cure for this - is this the first
> student you've had like this? He may outgrow it over the
> years but he can't outgrow it over weeks. We are all wired
> differently and his impulse mechanisms seem haywired to me.
> Some folks would say he has ADHD and he might.
>
> In short it won't matter how many recesses etc you take away
> or how often he sits in detention. The proof is in the
> pudding on that - you've done all that and it doesn't make a
> difference.
>
> The only thing worse than having a Raoul in your room is
> being him. Likely he doesn't get invited to anyone's party.
> The only thing I've found that works is signals. I get one or
> two signals that when he sees them gets him up on the floor
> immediately - but that such a kid ends up back on the floor
> is inevitable.
>
> I can take the impulse but to whom is he rude?? I wouldn't
> tolerate that even in 1st grade. I might have to withdraw my
> pleasant smile on that. Of course you think negatively about
> this child and it's wonderful that you don't want to and
> wonderful that it's troubles your great teacher conscience
> that you do.
>
> You need a Raoul aide. Would your mothers volunteer to take a
> morning a week to come in and help - then quietly do Rauol
> duty? Has anyone thought of ADHD?
>
> I might need to know more about what sets him off when he
> goes loud and rude or defiant. Impulsive behavior is one
> thing but that doesn't have to translate over into loud, rude
> and defiant.
>
>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> he gets so wound up that he can't focus on our learning. he
>> gets to be so annoying that the other students find it
>> tough to work with him in our cooperative learning groups
>> and centers. there are days when i cannot teach the class
>> because he is being loud, rude, defiant....he might be
>> rolling on the floor or falling out of his chair.
>>
>> any advice about how i can help raul? he already has a
>> reputation in the school. i'm finding it harder and harder
>> everyday to not feel negatively toward him.
 

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