A tall 5th grade girl with braids spiking in a high ponytail bounced happily out of the room. She was a regular appearance in the classroom and her affection often squeezed the life out of Miz Boss.
"Ok." Announced Miz Boss in her level alto after her departure. "I just got a message from Yugochi. Mrs. Blox is a bit busy, so we'll be having art inside.
Miss Q was sitting beside Nancy Drew, but she was focused on the two sitting at the table beside her.
It was a bit of an twist to see that they just happened to sit beside each other after their argument at lunch, but eventually, eventually, the Gage conceded.
"I'll shut up now."
That was after Miss Q heard him still saying something and said it sounded an awful lot like "I want to sit by myself during Art."
After and not before some drama.
Fate, surprise of surprises, was actually the innocent party this time.
Ok, well there's no such thing as an innocent part in a 4th grade argument, but it wasn't Fate that Miss Q was slightly miffed at today. Fate had continually looked at Miss Q despairingly for what to do. As if to say, "You see? I really am trying. He is making me so mad. What should I do."
But The Gage had been offended. And when you offend The Gage he becomes like some kind of animal that will. not. budge. This time after what seemed like a civil discussion with Fate about why she didn't get the leadership position she wanted, The Gage started to bug her. Miss Q probably made it worse. I mean annoying Fate and getting Miss Q in a tizzy? Oh what fun! When Fate tried to sit somewhere, he followed her. Miss Q got up in his face, and afterward he sat down and changed the subject. Miss Q knew he still hadn't gotten the point so she tried a different route.
"I know you can act nicer than that. It makes me sad to see you act like that."
"No, I can't. Liar."
The Gage likes to get away with things. Miss Q finds it sort of easy not to take it personally, since he's like that with everyone. But today was a bit more intense (inside Miss Q's head if not in her actions) because she felt like she just had to get him to leave Fate alone.
Fate did good that day. Miss Q encouraged her through The Gage's pestering. What killed Miss Q was that he wasn't content to let her steam in the corner. He wanted to see her get upset. How frustrating. But if that were a test, then Fate would have somewhat passed.
Wow. Miss Q, now that you think about it, what does that mean? The Gage wanted to see Fate lose her cool. So what must you not do around The Gage?
While The Gage is very loveable, and has fun with Miss Q, he still has these moments where nothing seems to bother him when it comes to him doing what he wants. Also, Miss Q realized that he is a great influence on Mook. Mook is very compliant without the presence of The Gage, then those are the times when he seems to get the guts to not follow directions.
Miss Q wonders how she could have handled it better. One thing she tends to do is just sit there and watch the turtles when they start to argue to see how they handle it. Perhaps not such a good idea?
In another blog I should write about these special appearances and antics of other Teacher Cadets. For example, Lady Finch.
Miss Q: Trying to get her bathroom stragglers, Mook, The Gage, Fate, and Nala to go to the room. Mentally focused on avoiding power struggle.
Lady Finch: Hi Miss Q!
Miss Q: Wha? Oh Hi!!
Lady Finch stepped in for a moment. But here's the funny part. After she left:
Zefron: "Why did that Lady say she's read about me?"
Miss Q: "Umm... she's crazy?"
Zefron: "Ok."
Honestly, Lady Finch. It was the only thing Miss Q could come up with.
That's just stupid for that lady to say that. What was she trying to do? Make the boy think he's being stalked? You need to talk to her about just blurting out whatever goes through that mind of hers.
ReplyDeleteShe does want you to know that she liked seeing you in action today.
M.Finch
I know what you mean about standing on the side, watching the kids handle arguments. The whole time, I'm just thinking, "Ok, what should I say to get them to think about what they are doing...?" After a while, they are already finished arguing, and they hate each other for the rest of the week. It's really hard in the spur of the moment to say the right thing. But, with experience, I think that you will make an expert teacher, and a happy discipliner!
ReplyDelete-Big L
I have a student sort of like The Gage, or at least it sounds like it. This student likes to do things, and he likes to get away with it! And sadly, sometimes he does get away with it. Just make sure to keep on him about it. With the arguing thing, I think it kind of depends on how badly they are arguing and what it's about. If it's serious I think you need to intercede, but if not I think it's fine to let them handle it their selves. But that's just my opinion..
ReplyDeleteI kind of agree with Sarah. Arguing is a necessary thing. You have to learn how to do it when you're that age and it's not always bad. The exception is if they are trying to hurt each other's feelings or it's a problem that's not going to get solved on it's own.
ReplyDelete