Friday, October 13, 2006

Should have knocked on wood...

Unfortunately, yesterday marked the first fight to go down in my classroom this year.

Computer printer destroyed, the class pet cage "almost" shattered, and I went tumbling to the floor while attempting to intervene in the whole matter after security failed to arrive after two phone calls (I know, I know... don't break up student fights).

When asked why the altercation began, U.A. simply stated ...

"He was looking at me."

Otherwise, all is well.

Sorry that there isn't anything of real interest to report. So far, my biggest battles have transpired over gum chewing and students not raising their hands before answering.

Speaking of which... any good suggestions on how to handle chronic gum chewing problems? Should I just let it go? Or keep up the fight?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

If gum chewing is your biggest problem, you're lucky.

Let's hope things keep to the status quo. If you want bad news, you can always pick up one of ther tabloids.

epiphanyinbmore said...

I don't mind gum chewing. In fact, with the amount of students I've had who have bad breath, I welcome it. It's when it gets left behind under desks that it becomes a problem.

Chaz said...

nyc educator is modest. I use his technique for gum chewers who snap their gum. I continue teaching and bring the wastepaper can over to the gum chewer who spits it out. It works quite well.

I'm glad your class is well-behaved but I miss your adventures in the class. it certainly made me laugh.

Nacho Lover said...

sucks that they had a fight, but if that's the only bad highlight, hey, keep up the good work! this is your second year, right? isn't it a million times better than the first?! good for you!

gum chewing--gah! too many adults chew and snap obnoxiously, and plus it's not allowed. keep being tough, as i am, but don't hold your breath for seeing the end of it.

17 (really 15) more years said...

I have gum radar, and the kids know it- I can spot a wad of gum halfway down the hall.They have learned not to waste a perfectly good piece of gum in my class. Keep fighting the good fight, and it WILL stop. I've cut gum out of girls' hair one time too many to tolerate gum chewing in the classroom.

Nic said...

I allow gum as long as they're not trying to pronounce something and it gets in the way. I haven't had gun-in-hair or any other problems, either, though. If I had it'd be a bigger issue.

Anonymous said...

I built a gum volcano while I was teaching math in middle school. Cardboard sheet, layer of foil, layer of colored paper. Had a kid draw a gruesome label, then made kids put theirs on top. It was disgusting and they loved it. Kids voluntarily put their gum on it.