April 22, 2010
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Rough Day
Tough day at school. My kids are great, but they are 5th graders. They are in a difficult time and about to enter an even more trying time? Who doesn’t remember middle school? And not fondly?
I defiantly fall in that category.
At any rate, tough times. They are bickering, getting in cliques, and discovering the opposite sex. Most of these kids have been in the same class together for the last 3-5 years, so it’s a small community. One of the new additions is stirring up a lot and bringing a lot of animosity and contention into the classroom. Sadly a lot of it is directed to the one student probably the least able to handle it — although he doesn’t have a diagnosis I would bet he has something going on – unfortunately mom doesn’t want him tested. He reminds me of a gentle giant. Social skills are not his strength. He really doesn’t deserve the crap he’s getting, and sadly, it’s only going to get worse as he gets older.
It makes me so sad.
There is so much going on in the class right now. Spring fever. Field trips. Our Mission to Mars is coming up. They are about to move to Mid-School. It’s just a lot gong on. I’m wishing that I could do something to foster a feeling of caring and community.
I’m thinking about it but drawing a blank.
The new house is fantastic. I Love it! Every day. It’s so nice having your own place. Not just your own “place” – but your “OWN” place. I love it. Did I say that already? — Long rough day. Did I say that already too?
Sigh.
Aright, I have to go. I’m still trying to unwind.
Wish me luck.
Comments (7)
:frog: Right now I am saying a prayer for the “Gentle Giant,”student! I know he needs as friend. Be as good to him as you can, knowing he is needing to be protected against the hostility. He needs to feel included and accepted. He is just a newcomer, and they are picking on him. Tthey are just acting that way to be part of the croud to do so. Security in numbers.” Have a talk with the class, please. :dancingcow:
Good luck! One of the best programs I have seen to teach acceptance, tolerance and a sense of community is called Challenge Day. It is an organization that comes and leads the students through a workshop on how to talk and listen to each other. Stories of personal struggle are shared so that they learn that everyone is going through SOMETHING… they get to spend some time walking in everyone’s shoes, if that makes sense. This program was featured on Oprah and my daughter, Jordan’s, high school did it for the incoming Freshmen right before school started and I got to be a part of it. Absolutey amazing. It teaches the kids how to trust each other and the adults, because the parents and teachers participate too. It is truly powerful. Because its so close to the end of the year, I don’t know if you’ve got the time or resources to pull it off for these particular kids…maybe if you contact them, they can tell you how to lead some of the exercises yourself.
http://www.challengeday.org/
Middle school was the worst. Everyone was just so nasty to each other!
Good luck!
I can’t stand parents that put their head in the sand instead of trying to figure out what’s wrong. That really irks me. In 5th grade they can still really do a lot to help. My son is also in 5th grade, now in public school, and he has really benefitted from the social skills groups they have twice a week. Can you step in and get them to stop? Is it bullying or just trying to aggravate?
Been missing you out here!
I don’t remember things being that rough when we were kids. Maybe we were sheltered or lucky. Thank goodness they have such a caring teacher who wants to help. Did you see the Sunday editorial comics today? I posted it to my FB. Stay strong my friend!
Hope you had a good weekend!