Tough year!

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Home : 2002 : February : 12

Tough year!
By Kathy

My heart goes out to you because it sounds like you really do have your hands full. I will tell you that this is my 23rd year of teaching and I'm having one of my most challenging years ever. Experience helps if only
because you know it's not always like this!!
Sometimes you get "tough mixes" like this and these children really do feed off each other. The above mentioned books are great--also Assertive Discipline. I would not feel badly about asking for help with a violent child. On the other hand, handling your discipline problems as much as you can is definitely a good idea--if only because you

can lose ground with your class if they feel you can't handle things.

Sounds like things were going well for a while there. Reach back to that time and try to figure out why. Also, I agree--every day can be a new beginning. I was in a workshop this year that mentioned that it's a good idea to change the layout of the room in some way--such as switching desks--when you are trying to "start anew."

Most younger children really do want to please. I try to "catch them being good" whenever I can. That has worked over the years for me.

Just know that it can be better! If you need a "listening ear", feel free to e-mail me.