Seriously, this may be what some children are going home and painting my picture as! (Or parents!
The things we have to do…
I haven’t updated you much on my daily life, well, because I haven’t really had much time!
But it’s been a true challenge!
One session of children are darlings and are settling down, still a couple of criers initially, but they have settled pretty well.
The other… Oh My God!Ā What with possible Special Needs, and huge behavioural issues, it has been really tough.Ā There have been insolent children, no manners appear to have been taught. There are spoilt children who think nothing of shouting “No!” in your face when things don’t go their way. There are clingy children, who are so insecure, and these other ones really frighten them… and many more….
But back to my post title… Yes, IĀ have since reported my faults to the Head teacher, and she said she will duly note it on my records!
So the other day I had to physically take a large toy away from a child as he was about to use it to hit another child across the face…(because he wasn’t getting his own way). well, I went off on my way, and later I saw said child on the climbing frame, looking forlorn. I asked him what the matter was, and he pointed my way, with a rather angry look across his face, you know, eyebrows down, brow furrowed, lips pursed. I looked behind me, he surely wasn’t pointing at me… there was no one else, so I went closer and he said “You hit me.” Really??!!! I was flabbergasted, but I couldn’t show it.Ā I asked him when. He just repeated it! Then I explained that I hadn’t hit him, I had taken something from him, as he was about to hurt another child…then he just flipped emotions, ran down the slide, hugged me and kissed me on the cheek!
I did bring it up with his dad, but he just laughed and said, “Oh, he’s always saying things like that, we know he does it for attention, or to detract from his own naughtiness!” Thank goodness! Well, that’s the child beating element sorted!
I have a huge mix of nationalities in my class as you know, and with the sweet things in my crazy session, I have had to have chats with several parents, just to get them on side, and explain that we need to work like a tag team, between home and nursery, to send the same message to the children, with regards to behaviour, and respect.Ā It will all take time but you know, it’s good to know the parents understand.
Well one has become very concerned about her precious little bundle… only child you know… and he is one that can be a little pickle (actually quite a big one!). But when I report back to her every end of session, when she asks, I have to say the truth, that he is ok for a while, then he starts the hitting, squealing, pushing and shoving, and defiance. So the other day she said to me that the other mums of her community said that I don’t; say anything to the other nationality parents, just theirs… I must have something against them!
HELLO!!!! I am also from a minority community lol!!!! But also a possible racist!
Then in the next breath, she said that actually they areĀ quite uneducated (unlike her of course) and that she knew we were just trying the best for her son.Ā That said, the next day, he didn’t come.. I thought I had offended her!
But the ‘dear boy’ was back today… in full form.Ā Today he was lovely, until he started fighting with a child over a toy, and I removed them from strangle holds, restored peace, then he went to hit and kick again!Ā So the toy was confiscated.Ā Boy, if looks could kill….!
He then proceeded to fill his mouth with spit, and tried to launch a missile at me… but it all failed, and nothing came out, thank God! Then he tried to flip the bird at me! except he very defiantly stuck his index finger up at me, not the middle one! It took a lot to stop me from laughing at this point!
Then the best bit… When it was home time, I called his name, and he wouldn’t come.Ā I didn’t chat to his mum today, as I frankly didn’t have the energy!Ā But he ran to the other end of the classroom, and I had to catch him!Ā Mum took him, hugged him, whispered endearments to him, and said to me, ” He was scared… he thought you were going to do something to him!” Wow! This child beating rep of mine is spreading!
Phew! Yes, still a colourful time I am having! One of the teachers I work with further up in theĀ school walked past our playground and mouthed to me “Are you ok?Ā Is everything going ok??” IĀ said “Well I’mĀ still here!” And she commented “And you’re still smiling!!”
See! That is me!!!
But, on a serious note, it is quite scary to think what one child might go home and say toĀ his or her parents, could have a profoundly negative effect on a teacher’s career, especially if the parents are likely to believe a child, before finding out everything!. I know that there are unfortunately timesĀ where a child is telling the truth, and there is a real issue with aĀ member of the teaching profession, but there are also countless times where an innocent teacher becomes a target, and loses their professional credibility due to a child’s fickle words. Here is where I thank goodness I am with my union! Hopefully my newly acquired negative reputation will be nipped in the bud… but just in case, I am covered!
And in other news… Lil Man was chosen as his class councillor by a landslide of votes! he is so proud of himself! and I forgot my car needed a service and MOT! Eek!
So an emergency appointment was set up by Hubby Dearest, and the lovely Bebe, my car, passed, thankfully!
And I am off to London for a course tomorrow with my Tag Team teacher colleague. A day away from the crazy class! YAY!!!! But I feel for the supply teacherĀ and our support staff! Oh I wish them well, I really do!
Right… night night my dearest Peeps! Thanks for sticking by me on my new teacher journey!!!!! I need to crash!
lynn k scott
Feb 17, 2017 @ 21:08:13
I don’t envy your position at all. I did laugh at you being given the “index finger”. I don’t think I could have kept a straight face; because I’ve seen it before. The kids that are challenging you are the reason I opted for homeschooling and now a very small, private school. I’ve met those parents that think their “angels” do no wrong. I’ve met the parents who know their kids are Satan’s spawn and no the school district won’t do anything because they will cry racism, prejudice and/or sue. Stay strong. Keep writing…you will have enough for a great book one day.
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Ritu
Feb 17, 2017 @ 23:21:06
Thank you Lynn! I managed that year… not there are angels in comparison in my class!!!
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lbeth1950
Sep 27, 2015 @ 08:34:30
So glad you are doing this difficult job.
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Ritu
Sep 27, 2015 @ 09:15:47
Its tough… But someone’s got to do it eh! š thanks Linda! š
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New Journey
Sep 26, 2015 @ 17:12:14
wow, cameras are a must just to protect you from the little manipulators…LOL kids are the best at it, playing adults against each other….take care my friend, and I would have another teacher watch out when dealing with that particular child….kat
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Ritu
Sep 26, 2015 @ 18:13:39
Thanks Kathy, we are always there around for each other, and to see what is happening, but you know, it just horrifies me to think where they learn this… at 3 years old!
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wafflemethis
Sep 26, 2015 @ 13:13:38
Oh Sis what a time you must be having. But it’s just kids and there imaginings. Your great loving caring and amazing you’ll get there with them. But personally I think the parents should step up more. Children are so influential at that age and if they here racist or anti educational or anti establishment talk at home it makes it hard not to bring that to school. We’ll done Lil man uncle waffles is proudāŗ
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Ritu
Sep 26, 2015 @ 18:08:28
Thanks Bro! I know it is early days yet, but you know, it’s wearing. I do have a tough skin, but I am just amazed at what these little tots know!
I shall pass your message on to Lil Man! š
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wafflemethis
Sep 26, 2015 @ 18:21:21
You’ll be fine. Don’t I keep telling youāŗāŗ
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Ritu
Sep 26, 2015 @ 19:15:15
I know… The light isn’t quite showing yet, at the end of the tunnel!!!
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tjt072
Sep 25, 2015 @ 22:45:07
Sorry to hear you are going through that. Have you tried talking to the principle about this one kid? Maybe write a letter to the boy’s parents explaining what has been going on.
It’s sad these days so many kids get raised that way and when they get out of hand especially when they are teenagers, the parents wonder what happened. Best of luck.
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Ritu
Sep 26, 2015 @ 06:58:41
My head is aware… We need to see whether the parents say anything else really,first. But it is awful how some children are allowed to behave….
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edwinasepisodes
Sep 25, 2015 @ 20:18:07
Oh my God, what a nightmare. It is so difficult when you have to tell of mummy’s little darlings, and some people just do not accept that there could be any problem with their little angel, I feel for you.
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 20:21:05
It’s tough, but someone’s got to do it!!!!!!
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Erika Kind
Sep 25, 2015 @ 15:34:11
OMG, Ritu! I never imagined you had to deal with such craziness. I totally understand why you are over and out when you finally get home. And I understand even more why it was overwhelming last week on Thursday and Friday. I totally get you how concerned you are about what kids tell at home. But as you reported to the head teacher. I am sure you are backed up. They all know you. Oh, Ritu. I am sure it will get better over time. I just hope this time will come asakp!!! Big hugs and kisses ššš
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 19:38:18
Thanks sis… It will get better,but still its tough??? āŗ
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joey
Sep 25, 2015 @ 12:30:53
Oh man, I once had this trouble-making kid, not my class, only in the afternoon, when classes combined, and I have never gotten over him. Truly. That kid made naughty every moment he could.
I never did get to the root of why he was acting out, but as sad as I was when the year was over, I was glad not to deal with him anymore!
Sometimes it’s hard to rationalize and not take it personally! Phew!
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 19:19:16
So many teachers go through this, its ridiculous!
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TanGental
Sep 25, 2015 @ 11:23:11
So you teachers – it’s all long holidays, home by four. Not sure why they pay you! I must say that yours has to be one of the most stressful of professions. Perhaps there ought to be some sort of reward: if you survive ten years you can have a day when you can say what you want to the little darlings and their parents and next day no one remembers. Keep smiling
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 19:12:07
Lol!!! I think we need one if those days a year at least!!!!!!!
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Prajakta
Sep 25, 2015 @ 10:17:09
Oh wow!! These are not just a handful, are they?? Once they settle down and have some idea of their boundaries we should be fine. Yes. All the best! š
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 18:58:48
I’m sure it will get better Prakakta, though at the moment it feels like hell… It can’t get any worse so the only way is up!!!!!
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NJ
Sep 25, 2015 @ 05:52:44
Oh…children ..make so many things out of there imaginations š ..You never know when they can put a blame on you š¦ So don’t worry this phase will pass on š
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 06:39:10
I’m taking deep breaths… all the time! Thanks!
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NJ
Sep 25, 2015 @ 07:08:40
They work š Tc š
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 07:15:32
āŗ
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Holly Jahangiri
Sep 25, 2015 @ 03:46:02
I should also point out, though, that I have known of two teachers (my mother knew one in her capacity as a teacher – and the woman taught a family friend’s son) who not only did hit children (one threatened to “kill” them if they told a parent about being flung up against a locker and choked) and bragged about it to other teachers and students (the one who bragged to students was my teacher – he seemed nice enough, and I thought he was making the whole thing up until an older student told me about the same incident the year before, and had witnessed it). The distrust between parents and teachers is, unfortunately, understandable at times. Best when they can be a respectful team – like good parents. But then, not all parents can pull that off, either.
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Holly Jahangiri
Sep 25, 2015 @ 03:41:31
Right after university, I babysat a friend’s son. He was a sweet boy – most of the time. But one day, he was a “pickle” as you put it. He threw talcum powder all over the living room, climbed inside the kitchen cupboards and would not be coaxed out, and at some point I had to grab hold of him and scold him to keep him from climbing and flying off the counter and hurting himself. We had a lovely rest of the afternoon – I read to him, he sat in my lap, and we seemed to get along just fine. Until the next day, when his mother told me not to come around – she wasn’t upset and knew that I’d done nothing, but the little darling had told his father I’d “hit him.” Total nonsense. Eventually, he told dad that I hadn’t – but dad was ready to come beat me up, there, for about 48 hours. It was soon sorted out, but what a nightmare!
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 06:36:33
Oh Holly! I totally sympathise with you! Kids really have no idea what effect their little stories can have…
The worst part is that he probably liked you, thought you were fun, told daddy, not knowing what would happen, then wondered why that fun baby sitter never came back!
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afternoonofsundries
Sep 25, 2015 @ 03:24:28
I had this happen 2 weeks ago with a middle schooler š¦ I am apparently the teacher who “hits kids in fun.” Because that make sense. I couldn’t believe that they thought I would hit anyone!
It’s really scary to know a kid can just say something and bam! That’s it!
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 06:34:34
Too scary, I know… the silly words of a child can have a LOT of impact if said or heard by the wrong person!
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afternoonofsundries
Sep 25, 2015 @ 13:32:48
Indeed!
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Fourth Generation Farmgirl
Sep 25, 2015 @ 02:38:58
Hang in there! They’re just “testing the waters.” Hopefully, your students will settle down soon. Good luck!
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 06:33:33
Thanks Tonya… I know, but boy do they get their monies worth from us!!!!! š
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Fourth Generation Farmgirl
Sep 25, 2015 @ 13:22:30
I work with pre-schoolers, too. I know exactly what you’re saying. Sometimes it’s like being pecked by a hundred chickens at once! šš
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 19:21:56
Its crazy!!!!
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Fourth Generation Farmgirl
Sep 25, 2015 @ 19:23:00
I hope you have a peaceful weekend! š xo
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Jim
Sep 25, 2015 @ 00:39:30
so what are you saying? you haven’t locked any in a cloak room yet? pffft! some mean teacher you are.
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 06:32:40
That shall be my next tactic!
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Jim
Sep 25, 2015 @ 12:52:46
you should have been a nun
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 19:20:18
How would that help? I’d be like sister maria from the sound of music and get sent to a houseful of kids anyway!!!!
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Jim
Sep 25, 2015 @ 21:56:42
or you could be Sister Mary Iron Mike from Our Lady of Perpetual Agony
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 22:41:53
Hmmm… Now there’s a thought!!!
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Jim
Sep 25, 2015 @ 22:45:53
and you can get a nun’s outfit for Halloween. Hey!!!! you could model that for your husband. maybe he’d like that you kinky girl. š
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Ritu
Sep 26, 2015 @ 06:58:55
Lol!!!!
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Jim
Sep 26, 2015 @ 14:57:28
see???? now I’ve got you thinking about it š
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Ritu
Sep 26, 2015 @ 18:10:45
You have…!
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Jim
Sep 26, 2015 @ 19:03:28
hehehehehehehehehehe
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amommasview
Sep 25, 2015 @ 00:22:20
Oh boy… oh boy, oh boy, oh boy…
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 06:31:53
Yup…. no words eh!
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amommasview
Sep 25, 2015 @ 07:43:02
Oh no! I mean what can you really say??? Just stick to your way of doing things. You are a great teacher!
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 18:57:34
Thanks Sandra. I know, it’s a tough job sometimes, but the joy you’d get, seeing those children succeed… That’s what keeps me going!
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raphaela99
Sep 24, 2015 @ 23:11:57
I have seen some of the parents in action, oh boy! Their little treasure can do no wrong. The helicopter parents are a challenge. xxx
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Ritu
Sep 25, 2015 @ 06:31:29
It’s hard… but I am trying… hopefully if we can build trust within the parents towards us, they won’t feel we are attacking their kids, and actually work with us, but By God what a challenge!
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Josh Wrenn
Sep 24, 2015 @ 23:05:38
With some of the parents I see, I could never be a teacher. The way they spoil their kids and believe they can do no wrong. It is insanity. I’d get fired for giving a parent a piece of my mind, I know it. Good on you for your patience.
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Ritu
Sep 24, 2015 @ 23:09:13
Thanks Josh… It’s sometimes so tough, but I have to rein it in!
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Michael
Sep 24, 2015 @ 22:55:59
That is so true, one little whisper out of spite and Boom! Curtains for the teacher and possibly others.
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Ritu
Sep 24, 2015 @ 23:08:18
Yup… Its a scary thought Michael!
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Michael
Sep 24, 2015 @ 23:09:56
It is a scary thought.
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