This week, I'm sure you read about it already, a substitute teacher in Texas, taped the mouths of several students in the elementary classroom where she was teaching. You can follow the story here. Well, I'm sure you know many people who will joke around about the duct taping of chatty children, but you probably don't know anyone who would actually do something like that. Once you cross from the silly memes about duct taping kids, you move to something that is truly appalling. How do you get from being an instructor to taping closed the mouths of students? I'm trying to imagine what this substitute felt to be at that point. In reading about it, the mom of one student received a text from her daughter while the tape was over her mouth. In another account, a neighboring classroom teacher heard the commotion and went to check on the substitute. Either way, someone reached out to the administrative staff who removed the substitute, and later banned him/her from the grounds. Students were given ice, and parents were contacted.
Have you ever been really frustrated in the classroom? You are not alone. Every single teacher who is honest will tell you there have been times when they felt frustrated beyond measure. You know when you are employing lamaze breathing, counting to ten, picturing your happy place and chanting in your mind, "I am a grownup who can control herself in all situations" you have hit that frustration beyond measure level. When you calculate every day how many minutes are left in the day and it is only 8:45 am, it is that kind of day. DO NOT RESORT TO DUCT TAPE!
Friday, we were in the middle of our ELA block, and I had a student who was staring at the clock during a time when everyone else was engaged with working on charts and graphs. One chart showed different clocks from a variety of time zones and students were to apply the information to a series of questions based on the information given. Not this student. He was completely transfixed by the clock. (I'm generally a very mellow teacher about time management in class. If a student needs a little "me" time, or a little break, I don't disturb that if it is not a disruption to others.) This student was absolutely still and unobtrusive in his interaction with the clock. I watched with interest as I circulated about the working students. I wondered if he needed help, but he is never shy about asking for help. I couldn't help myself. I finally asked him what he was doing. His reply? "I'm counting the little lines on the clock that are in between the numbers." Really? In 6th grade. I kept my face neutral (I should win an Oscar like every other teacher in the world. That should be a new category. Best teacher actress/actor! One for each grade!). His partners laughed and said, "Kindergarten? Really?". I just stopped them and said, "Buddy, it is five. That's why we count by five. Everyone can forget once in a while." I'm dying a little inside, and wanting to face palm, but instead I carried on.
I wished I could just beat my head on the desk. How do you get to this level without having that information in your repertoire? That is a form of frustration we encounter daily.
Students can be challenging at times in a behavioral sense. Those who don't listen. Those who feel that they can speak over you. Those who can't wait for another to have a turn. Those who make sarcastic remarks and divert the learning intentionally. Those who just want to give the teacher a hard time. That is another source of frustration for teachers that is a daily one.
Administrators, policies and parents can be frustrating as well. We will not discuss why here today. But you know that I'm right! :)
Nonetheless, duct tape is not the answer! In place of duct tape, which should be preserved for fixing and for creating in other arenas in life, here are a few suggestions for frustrations:
- A deep breath. Two or three if needed.
- Keep an eye on what is going right and keep it in mind. Often times I will be frustrated about two or three students while the remaining group is on point. I need to focus on those students and affirm them. Sometimes I just thank them for doing right and give them an unexpected incentive from the class economy. (They are never food or prizes, but more privileges.) Once I give a little attention to the non-frustrating element of the situation it gives me better perspective.
- If you are angry and frustrated, counting to ten, quoting a Scripture or inspirational statement will help diffuse your anger. Anger and frustration lead to stupidity or to duct taping students' mouths. Never a win.
- Now, create a plan of action. For me on Friday, my plan of action was to comfort the student and move on. I can't solve his math deficit during a reading session. I can only note it and put it on a longer term goal list. Having a plan frees you from frustration.
- When all else fails, laugh inside your mind or think of something funny.
It took me longer to type this than it will take you to do this. This is a quick activity that will prevent you from making the news as the duct taping teacher. I use this technique all the time, and I promise you it will work. It doesn't end your frustrations, but it will help you reframe them and gain perspective.
Let's keep the duct tape for repairing desks, computer covers and notebooks. Check out this blog for cute pics! Desk duct tape pics Those show the proper use of duct tape!
First published October 21, 2017
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