Currently, I’m in a second grade classroom with students who
are 7 and 8. These students are learning how to become more independent,
getting to know themselves better, and they are honing the socialization techniques
they have been taught in kindergarten and first grade. Bullying is definitely a
big topic at this age level, this is due to the educators trying to prevent issues
from arising as the students move to higher levels and become worried about
peer approval. Luckily, in my classroom there aren’t too many issues. We do
have a few students who are still learning to keep their hands to themselves
and others who are very sensitive or going through things at home that they
take out on their peers. These situations we handle by talking with the
students, seeing if we can help, and, if necessary, having the student talk to
the guidance counselor for assistance processing or expressing themselves. This
doesn’t disrupt our class often and we deal with any situations immediately and
with care. |
| http://www.birthnmore.com/uploads/6/0/1/5/6015725/positive-thinking-6055125_1_orig.jpg |
I must
admit, however, that we do have a couple of students who have been identified
with special needs in the behavior area. Without going into detail, to protect
the students, I will say that there are many times these students disrupt the
class. Be it screaming, kicking the wall, or throwing things on the floor the
rest of the students can easily get off task when these situations occur. When
I am teaching the class I just remind my students to pay attention to me and
continue working on their assignments. When I use the prompt “Eyes on me” the
students all turn to look at me, say “Eyes on you,” and continue following the
lesson. We have a GREAT group of students that really stay on task and
understand that disruptions may occur but they can still do their work. Both my
site teacher and I praise our students when they can stay on task during these outburst
and we praise our students who have been identified when they have an excellent
lesson or day. We have actually had our students ask if they can say thank you
to our identified students when they have a good day as well. We encourage this
so that everyone feels welcome in the classroom. I can say I am in a great
setting for learning about keeping students on task and coping with behavior
problems when arise. We really do have an awesome group of students who support
each other and embrace the diversity represented in the classroom!
