That One Student!!!

Several years ago, I had a student that was the poster child for a defiant student.  The first week involved in the student knocking pictures off my wall, chasing him around the school, an one hour stand off in the auditorium and so many more incidents - that was the just the beginning of the year.  Every year there is that one student that tries our knowledge of how to handle any student.  During the time I dealt with this student, I searched trying to find the solution. Common Do's 1) Give specific instructions for what is being done in class and what is expected. 2) Provide a place for the student to remove himself/herself from the group, provide a "punching pillow" or stress ball. 3) Pick only a few items to improve on with a behavior chart, giving immediate feedback. The big "Don't" - Do not get in a power struggle with student - it only feeds the behavior.  Communication with the student's family is very important.  Work for a common goal. It is a very slow process to reach these children - each day is a new day.

So you have been off work for a few weeks.  The house is clean. You have taken the kids to the park. Daytime TV is getting boring - soap operas are all the same, basically. I personally think that soap operas kills brain cells. You need something to stimulate your brain.  Try this to find summer reading projects. http://educationcloset.com/2014/04/15/the-2014-teacher-summer-reading-list/

Happy Reading.

"School's out for the summer."  Teachers are dancing in the streets due to the much needed summer vacation. 712 Educators has some tips to help educators  rejuvenate over the summer. http://712educators.about.com/od/teacherresources/tp/summer_activities.htm
Have a great and safe summer - you deserve it.

Be a Teenager Again – Summer Reading

I like picking up books to read over the summer that I can share with parents and students to help them through the middle school years.  Middle school is such a hard time for kids.  Even though my middle school days were so many years ago, I can remember the frustration of trying to fit in with everyone.  One of the books that I have found that really speaks to the kids at this age is “Life Strategies for Teens” by Jay McGraw.  It is written on their level and hits those feelings that every young teen has during those hard times.  He gives suggestions on how to handle the hard situations of life as a teen. 

If you have a teen, work with teens or with students who will be teens someday, download it or pick it up at your local bookstore.