What to do Wednesday: Frustrated Student

Uncategorized Jul 22, 2020

Wednesday's blogs are going to be based on different experiences teachers may have in the classroom. For now, I will create the scenarios and characters and provide feedback on how I would handle the situation. I hope you find this helpful. As our community grows, my vision is to have teachers send me their ideas of what is stressing them out in the classroom so hopefully, I can help.

 

Dear Lesson Plan Toolbox,

I need your help! A parent sent me a very disturbing email today telling me that his son, "Johnny" is beyond frustrated with "Billy." Apparently, Billy copies off of Johnny, cuts him in line, and takes some of his food at lunch. 

This is the first I am hearing about any of this and I am just not sure what to do. Any help you can provide you be great!

Sincerely,

Lost in Second Grade

Dear Lost in Second Grade,

First, let me start by telling you that you are doing are a great job! How do I know? Because you reached out for help when you knew you needed it. That's not always an easy thing for teachers to do.

Now, let's figure out Johnny and Billy's situation. Tones in emails can be very difficult to interpret. I would recommend calling the parent and thanking Dad (it seems) for making you aware of what is going on. I would explain that this is the first you are hearing about this situation and once you speak with both students you will contact Dad with an update.

The course of action I would take with the two boys is to meet with them both and see how they feel. I can't tell you how many problems have been solved just by talking it out. The key is to let each child say his peace. Then guide them towards a resolution trying your best to find a common ground between them. If they can focus on what they enjoy about the other student, then they usually can easily resolve any issues. You might suggest testing tents, allowing Johnny to go first in line, and possibly moving seats in the lunchroom. Although my hope is that if they find a common ground, both boys will want to interact with each other perhaps during recess which might carry over into the lunchroom. Encourage each of them to come to you if they are feeling upset or frustrated and tell them part of your job is to make sure they are safe and happy.

Finally, I would be sure to call both parents to share your resolution (of course leaving student names out of the conversation). Also, be sure to avoid giving parents your cell phone number unless your principal recommends it. If you can call from a school phone, then parents are more than likely to answer. Document the situation and share it with your principal.

Please don't lose sight of all the good you are doing! This happens so easily, and I don't want you to forget how many lives you have touched. Contact me if you need any further ideas.

Best wishes for a happy year,

Lesson Plan Toolbox

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