It was a really difficult prac for many reasons. The hardest thing was behaviour management which in some classes, like the troublesome one to which I was assigned, takes the majority of the available time.
On Tuesday, a student stabbed another student with a pencil in class while I was occupied trying to settle a dispute between another two students. It seems redundant to say that this was upsetting. The offending student was removed from class, and suspended. The victim was okay apart from a small puncture wound in his shoulder. My supervising teacher was off that day, and myself and the casual teacher on class were unable to control the children. Twenty eight eight and nine year olds totally got the better of us.
That incident concluded, but fresh in my mind together with thoughts about what might have been, (The stabbing could have have had much worse results,) I soldiered on for the rest of the week.
Today I finished up, and upon informing the class that I was leaving, I was immediately swamped with students who wanted to hug me. A few of them had drawn some pictures for me as well. One girl insisted that I had to come back and teach her next year in year 5, and then again the following year.
I am grateful today for the spontaneous affection shown me by children who had driven me half insane over the previous four weeks. I am thankful for the experience overall, and to the staff who supported and encouraged me.
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ReplyDeleteA 8-year old stabbed another 8-year old? Good Lord, what's the world coming to? Kids acted out when I was growing up, but it was usually hair pulling, punch in the shoulder, school yard scuffle NOT pencil stabbing or God forbid worse. You couldn't pay me enough to teach other people's kids. I hope you have a wonderful summer and hopefully next school year you won't have any weird encounters like this to deal with again. BTW, I see you survived the 2015 A2Z Challenge, too. Are you doing the Road Trip, too?
ReplyDelete#FlashbackFriday Campfire Memories
Yes, its pretty shocking but these children have all sorts of behavioural problems and their home life is not ideal (that's putting it mildly) so I guess they way they behave at school simply reflects their home environment. It is the middle of the school year here in Australia. Heading into winter, not summer. Not doing the Road Trip. I need to get back to my Work in progress, novel number 5.
DeleteHave walked in your shoes as a Kinder teacher with 28 five year olds and not an aid in sight. Don't second guess yourself. You'll be O.K. In Miami where I taught, I've had worse than a pencil stabbing.I still loved teaching. Enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marilyn. Hats off to teachers. Anyone who says teaching is an easy job is a moron. I can imagine Miami. I've seen Scarface you know... ;-) (bit cheeky. sorry)
DeleteAs much stress as they caused you, it's encouraging that they'll miss you.
ReplyDeleteIt was a unexpectedly pleasant end. Thanks for visiting Square Pegs and taking the time to comment.
DeleteAs a teacher, I totally know where you're coming from on this one but remember that once you are the teacher in charge you can set up the rules and behaviour that you expect in your class much better than having to take over and follow other people's. Teaching children is the BEST job in the world - it can sometimes be the other adults that are the problem and certainly those from above setting the bars the children are expected to get over without ever having been in a classroom themselves - but the children always shine through and there is always cause for a celebration at the end of a week :) Have a super holiday - Special Teaching at Pempi’s Palace
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Square Pegs and for taking the time to comment. As I said to Marilyn, I have great respect for teachers. I've met many passionate and hardworking ones.
DeleteCongrats on finishing your practicum! If you made it through that (and the stabbing) you can make it through anything. Have a lovely weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lexa. Yes, I feel a little like that. I was back at my regular job today. So nice and comfortable.
DeleteI feel for you - been there. But in the end, the children love a teacher who is strict and predictable with results. Glad you received the hugs.
ReplyDeleteYay! Go you, and thank you! Teaching is a tough job, on top of all the other things that come with it.
ReplyDelete{{you}} Completion is good!