difficult class

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Home : 2002 : April : 5

difficult class
By Carolyn

I had a class just like yours last year. It was also my first year in a new school, although I had taught previously. Since I was new to the school, I had no track record there, so I was evaluated critically. I was fortunate
to have a principal who, when he came into observe me, knew of the type of class I was teaching. These kids, like yours, had the reputation as being "that class" since they were in Kindergarten. He sat through my science lesson, carefully watching not only me, but the kids I was teaching. I had one student at the front of the room who, in spite of his presence, chose to draw pictures

instead of participating in the science lesson. Another put his head down as if he was trying to sleep. At the end of the day, the principal informed me that he called several parents, because he didn't like what some of the kids were doing. He didn't rate me unfavorably, since he saw that I was trying my best to get all kids on task.

I think the key issue here may not be the behavior or the kids as much as how you address the situation. I many be wrong, as in your principal's case, but I have always been told that as long as problems are "addressed," and children will still not comply, then you have done all you can. It doesn't appear unfavorable for you.

My suggestion to you the next time you are observed is to make sure that if you see children off task, doing something that is not lesson related, or misbehaving, try to make a point of trying to address the problem. Take a few moments out to show your principal, at least, that you ARE doing what it takes to get the kids to do what you expect of them. Tell the kids just loud enough for him to hear that you will expect the work to be finished in class, otherwise it will be completed at recess time. (I had to do that.) Don't ever just let kids continue to engage in those undesirable behaviors, otherwise it may appear to your principal that this is normal and routine in your class and you just let it slide.

Congratulations on obtaining another contract. At least your principal realizes that you have potential.