"From the nationally publicized shootings, to the frequently occurring weapons and assault charges, to the widespread bullying epidemic, and vandalism, schools have angry, hostile, frustrated students who have vengeance and retaliation as their underlying motivation."
I am writing this response to the original article-- Hurt People Hurt People. The article stated that this is a Native American saying. I recently read those four words on a poster on one of my Facebook feeds on my account. I really thought about it at the time because I work with an individual who had a very difficult past and really struggled with those problems as he grew up. To this day, he approaches the world differently than a lot of people do. There is an edge. A chip on his shoulder, maybe. There is this feeling that people owe him something because of his struggles in his past or maybe an entitlement on his part to treat people poorly because of that history. At times, I struggle to communicate in an effective way with him. We come at life with two completely different outlooks. Now, when we relate these ideas to children... We have to remember that children still have the ability to be taught and inspired. They can be taught to be intrinsically motivated and see themselves in a better light. The schools and teachers have a big piece of this puzzle in their hands, but let's not forget about the responsibility of the families and communities. The statement that it takes a community to raise a child is so true these days. Children need as many positive role models in their lives as possible and maybe we will end up with less hurt people in the world.
JWilliams-UWStoutThis is a very popular topic and seems to pop up after each major tragedy involving school violence. The problem with this is that the media coverage impacts people, but that our culture is so over-saturated with the topic that we grow numb to it and it falls on deaf ears when it comes to implementing true and effective changes. We know the solutio...See MoreThis is a very popular topic and seems to pop up after each major tragedy involving school violence. The problem with this is that the media coverage impacts people, but that our culture is so over-saturated with the topic that we grow numb to it and it falls on deaf ears when it comes to implementing true and effective changes. We know the solutions to reducing the epidemic of classroom violence: increased school counseling, stronger policies against bullying, diversity training programs, and even the "elephant in the room" actual parent involvement/engagement. But what do we do with knowing the solution? It seems that as stated it just loses all momentum behind it, this is not to say that we can not work towards an end to the violence or negative behaviours but the problem isn't just in strengthening classroom management, anti-bully policies or even empowering mental health discussions... The power in this comes from the home, from the parents. In order to effect true change, you have to engage parents in promoting the importance of education, we have to improve education to make it a necessity that all parents want their children to have and work tirelessly to ensure they get. Success drives positivity and that positivity improves the culture of the classroom and our country as a whole. "It takes a village to raise a child" but it takes strong parenting and established community to create the village.
On 1/02/13, Teachers.Net Gazette wrote: > Excerpt: > > "From the nationally publicized shootings, to the frequently > occurring weapons and assault charges, to the widespread > bullying epidemic, and vandalism, schools have angry, > hostile, frustrated students who have vengeance and > retaliation as their underlying motivation." > > Click below to read the rest.
JWilliams-UWStoutThe attached US Today article highlights something that should be intuitive, children need recess! I don't personally know when schools began moving away from offering the experience that recess offers,but many of the problems that today's population deal with can be seen in the reduction of such things. Physical activity(obesity epidemic?), Social...See MoreThe attached US Today article highlights something that should be intuitive, children need recess! I don't personally know when schools began moving away from offering the experience that recess offers,but many of the problems that today's population deal with can be seen in the reduction of such things. Physical activity(obesity epidemic?), Social interaction (people losing the ability to communicate with others), Depression and Stress relief, and even the creativity of being allowed to have a safe place to be outdoors is something vital to the development of children. To have a break in the day allows students to recharge from the rigors of class and the physical activity promotes health habits and renewed mental focus. It seems odd that in order to cram more required classwork(preparing for a standardize test)into students, to shorten class days to fulfill the demands of teacher's unions and to appease those parents that don't want their children to be outside, or playing with other, that we take such an easy thing away. I wonder what research can be done to further explore this topic?
On 1/03/13, Teachers.Net Gazette wrote: > Click below for access to this important article about the > need for recess, and other articles for educators. >
4th grade has always been the most difficult for me and this class is larger (about 25) and the majority are boys. Today their focus was spitballs. While it didn't take long to figure out their game, I did not actually see anyone shoot one. I did require the class to clean them up and told them that I am sure our custodians could use help but I'd love suggestions to not have a repeat of this behavior. Thanks.
When I’m working with a small group of students at the reading table, I don’t like to be interrupted by other students. Nonetheless, there will be three or four of them who feel it’s critical that they share some need, issue, or concern immediately. And although you would think that just asking everyone to not bother the group would do it, experience has taught me that it doesn’t. So, as opposed to trying to suppress their energy for sharing their needs, I figured out how to redirect it instead. [Click below to read the solution.]
On 1/11/13, By Rick Morris wrote: > How to limit interruptions while you work with small groups > - By Rick Morris > > When I’m working with a small group of students at the > reading table, I don’t like to be interrupted by other > students. Nonetheless, there will be three or four of them > who feel it’s critical that they share some need, issue, or > concern immediately. And although you would think that just > asking everyone to not bother the group would do it, > experience has taught me that it doesn’t. So, as opposed to > trying to suppress their energy for sharing their needs, I > figured out how to redirect it instead. [Click below to read > the solution.]
On 1/14/13, Teachers.Net Gazette wrote: > 12 Ways for Co-Teachers to Actively Participate in the > Classroom - 12 tips by Susan Fitzell. (After you read it, > please share it!)
When you turn the other cheek, you are not necessarily expected to be passive in any situation, or even to simply refrain from violence. [Click below to read the rest.]
This article made an interesting point with regard to turning the other cheek as a metaphor for refocusing one's attention. I appreciate this new perspective because it's truly the case that what we focus our attention on grows. The choice to focus on the positive means that we'll actively be looking for and acknowledging positive things when they happen. I think this is one of the reasons why gratitude journals are so powerful, they force you to recognize even the smallest events as gifts.
SaraOn 1/29/13, ali8423 wrote: > What are your most common discipline issues in the > classroom?
Side conversations that are distracting to others and generally being wild. And the general din of noise rising too loud and not coming back to attentive silence quickly enough.
Use of cell phones/smart devices. I work with adult learners so it's hard to tell them they have to be off when they have children, jobs, etc. that they are concerned about. It is additionally challenging because we permit them in our classrooms but want them to be used only for class uses like taking notes (not Pinterest, Facebook, email, etc.).