Try to hang in there

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Home : 2005 : December : 24

Try to hang in there
By msamyb

I had a little boy several years ago in first grade that was very similar to your student. However he was diagnosed by our school as ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) and ED (emotionally disturbed in place of BD). His
parents did take him to a neurologist and were very supportive and very upset and embarassed about his behavior. They really did want to try to fix the problem, even though it was a nightmare at school each day.

I had to document every day his behavior, so it could be kept on file and reviewed by our sped staff and his doctor. This was a very long and tedious undertaking, but

really was very helpful in the end. We learned specific times of day, curriculum activities, etc that would trigger his tantrums.

Being a public school, we could not kick the child out, but we could give in school suspension often to get him out of the regular classroom. About mid way through the year, I decided I was not going to put myself or my students through any more of his abuse. So anytime he had a tantrum, I would immediately evacuate the classroom sending my kids out into the pod (they had done this so many times, they got used to bringing books or starting sparkle on their own) so they would be safe. And I would then buzz the office for the counselor, principal, or a sped. teacher, telling the office it was an emergancy (after one buzz, they new why I was buzzing and to send someone quick). Usually 2 people would arrive, carry him out kicking, screaming, spitting, etc... One would hold his legs, the other would hold his arms/trunk area and they would take him to an isolation room. This was a very small room (not much bigger than your average walk in closet) and only had one gymnastics mat in it nothing else. He would stay in there until he calmed down. Sometimes he would yell, curse, kick the door, urinate in there, but would never come out until completely calm. He would spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours in there. It was the only place he could have his fits without hurting anyone but himself. His parents new about his consequences and were called every time he went to the isolation room. Though they never came to pick him up early, because that is exactly what he wanted. They did however have to pick him up at the end of the day, because he was not allowed on the bus on extreme days like this.

Try to hang in there, I know this is difficult, and you want to give up, but I really believe this experience has made me a stronger teacher. After dealing with him for a full year, now everything is a piece of cake. I always say, if I can make it through "him" then I can handle any child they give me! Good luck, breathe deep, and call for help every time!