First, DON’T make eye-contact (you don’t want to upset her). Say “hello” at your own risk. Don’t assign
her homework; there will always be an excuse.
Be friendly, but don’t “hover.” If you look over her shoulder at her
progress, be discreet or brace
yourself for a confrontation. On the
day of the quiz that you have had planned for weeks, and that the class is well
aware of, know that she will refuse
to take it. Try to explain that even if she didn’t read, it’s always best to try. Be met with
resistance. You will want to argue. Other students will become
distracted. Give up and move on. Ask to
see her after class. When she is out the
door milliseconds after the bell, stay
calm. Think to yourself, “She is
probably just having a rough day.” Make a note to talk to her tomorrow.
The next day you are on
alert, ready for a negative experience.
Become pleasantly surprised
when she participates actively and even volunteers to lead a discussion. Hope
that this behavior continues. Decide to
forgive the previous day’s behavior to avoid having a talk with her.
Know that this is probably NOT the
best plan of action. Continue on with
it anyway.
When she asks if she can use
her bathroom pass to go get her book from her locker, offer her your
copy. Immediately realize your error.
Try not to react when she
says, “that’s not what I asked” and storms off.
Redirect the
class when her negative reactions become a source of entertainment. Feel a sense
of pride when they all joke together and seem to have created a classroom
community where EVERYONE IS INCLUDED.
When she comes to class
announcing that she can’t get into her locker, sympathize with her but secretly question whether or not this is the
truth. Provide her with a new
journal anyway. Feel bad when a week
later she returns the copy of the novel that she had checked out and explains
the whole fiasco.
Feel
even worse when she tells you that her mother has been in the
hospital. Offer support and guidance. Sense a wave of relief when you find out her
mom and new baby brother are getting healthy. Realize there is a major correlation between her home life and her
school behavior. Work with her and be gracious, always.
FORGET
all
the negative encounters each day. Be
positive and welcoming no
matter what. Learn to embrace her unique personality and use it to benefit the class. Recognize
that she offers much more than meets the eye. Practice tolerance and acceptance.
Make an effort to make all students feel valued and included. Don’t hold grudges. Let bygones be
bygones.
Become a role model.
Become a teacher…
