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I really lost my temper with a class today. It's the first time this year and this class has been my worst for most of it. It isn't what you would call major behaviors like fighting or anything dangerous, but immaturity is reaching a peak. Every day, I start with "We're here to learn and I'm here to help. Act accordingly and let's show each other dignity."
Then a glue stick flew across the room.
I stopped everything and just exploded. It hasn't been more than four minutes after the welcome, warm up, and instructions. We're doing hard stuff right now (electrochemistry) that really takes focus. My focus is on students who are trying to learn the material, so I cannot be standing and watching behaviors every second.
I teach high school. Not third grade. They have to be able to work independently.
I make it a point to never, ever swear in front of students. I correct their language to help them learn restraint (casual cursing, especially) and to respect other people's spaces.
Today. Ugh. Not today.
I told them that if they didn't want to help or be helped that they needed to get the fuck out of my room now.
No one left. Three quarters of the class was annoyed and over the stupidity. The other quarter was just shocked. Sometimes the shock can help.
@brianb Ugh.
It is that time of year.
Here's hoping the whole surprise effect works.
I remember Actually Pulling A Guilt Trip on sixth graders when we were making a collection for somethign and ... they were more concerned with getting the next Garbage Patch Kid card.
Welp, it was legit -- I think yours was too -- and it worked, *and* then I could say "YES YOU DID THE RIGHT THING which is not the thing guilt trippers do.
That doesn't make it right. I'm always embarrassed when this happens. I don't feel better. I'm not more focused. I haven't dealt with the problem.
I don't know who for sure threw it, but I have a guess. I'm going to rearrange my room a little on Monday so they are isolated and always in my line of sight. They won't be allowed to get up or move.
I'm going to apologize for losing my temper and ask for forgiveness. We have 11 days left. Maybe we can make those better.
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