similar situation in my room

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Home : 2003 : February : 23

similar situation in my room
By Carolyn

I got a new student recently who was previously in an ED class in another school. There were many problems there, so it would be a long explanation. I think it will suffice to say that I am going through the same that you
are right now, only the powers that be are taking their good sweet time about evaluating this child and getting her out of the classroom so that I can teach the others. In the meantime, I have been given the advice that I should handle her carefully, to speak in a soft, nonthreatening voice so as not to get her riled up. (She is prone to violence and even kicked her social worker).

This is the type of child who has needed physical restraint in the past for aggression. So far, I have managed to "hang on," but I am eager to have her placed appropriately.

I agree that one child can upset the whole apple cart. My class also suffers while this child is boisterous and attracting attention. Teaching doesn't progress as much as I'd like as I take time out to address her problems. One thing that I have found that helps is to address her privately and quietly. I think children like this are more apt to "act out" when you address them publicly in front of everybody. They are seeking attention in an inappropriate way. If I see the child acting inappropriately, I walk by her and whisper to her that I want her to stop and tell her what I want her to do instead. This has helped a great deal.