FRIDAY 55
They enter in a fury.
The thud of fist meeting flesh
followed by angry words
meets my ears.
The teacher says nothing
so I WILL.
The library is NOT a boxing ring!
There will be NO fisticuffs!
We don't know that word.
Fine, here's a dictionary.
Sit down.
Be quiet.
Look it up.
Learn something.
Of course, that presupposes an actual system is in place. With this class it is apparent that assumption is incorrect. Today, as they entered the library, two different students threw punches at two others (who were reported by several witnesses to have provoked the situation). I wish I could say I was as creative in handling it as I was with the 55 up there but I wasn't. I did, however, get the four kids in question under control and I meted out consequences....no thanks to their teacher who stood there watching like a half-wit. When the rest of the class realized I meant business they shaped up pretty quickly.
Next time they come in there will be a new and very strictly enforced set of rules in place for their visits. Pugilists and hooligans be warned.
Ima like a librarian that kicks ass!
ReplyDeleteNo fisticuffs! Love it. Sounds like you need to box in the ears of the other teachers. But really, I imagine many teachers are afraid these days if this was middle or high school.
ReplyDeleteMy mom tells a story of a boy in high school being shoved into the wall by the principal for sassing back. I actually wish this could be done today. I know. Politically incorrect. (But I'm right)
Well, good for you!! I still believe that kids, as a whole, want and need discipline. I think most of them will respect you for laying out the ground rules and adhering to them. That's the key...don't just threaten...do.
ReplyDeleteWhen my boys were young, and they would fight over a toy, I would tell them if I heard one more argument over that toy, I would throw it away. One day in the car, they had a brand new toy that they were fighting over. I told them once...just once...if they didn't stop, I would take it away and throw it out the window. I just bought it, so they didn't beleive me and kept it up, so I reached my arm into the back seat, got the toy away, and out the window it went...and I did NOT go back and get it. I never had to tell them again. They didn't fight over toys. :) They just have to know that what you say is what you mean.
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ReplyDeleteha you did great....one of the things we teach the teachers is to say something unexpected to get their attention...our fights are down this year...still working on respect though...ugh
ReplyDeleteThey'll be happier for it, too. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteGosh Mrs. Lime...You're Strict!
ReplyDeleteBut I'm sure you have it all under control....:P
Aren't children GREAT inspiration?
Loved your Raucus 55
Thanks for the backstory, thanks for playing, and please have a Kick Ass Week-End
I deleted my original comment. Boy, I really come off as a nut...lmao...
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to catch up on your stories! And who doesn't love the word fisticuffs! :)
ReplyDelete--snow
Great job at taking control of the situation. That teacher needs to wake up.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I think sometimes people are just hoping the other adult in the room will do something because they are too lazy or burned out to do it themselves.
ReplyDeleteYour library, your rules!
ReplyDeleteI remember one year an experience I had with the variance in how classes were run. Some teachers deserve their salary and others should most certainly be fired.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Teaching them a new word (fisticuffs is a great one) and commanding respect at the same time. Yea You!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're providing these rowdies with a great life lesson.
ReplyDeleteyou tell 'em! i like "fisticuffs" (the word, that is), though i'm not sure too many people (even adults) would recognize it (except that it's rather obvious what it means, isn't it?)
ReplyDeleteyou tell 'em! i like "fisticuffs" (the word, that is), though i'm not sure too many people (even adults) would recognize it (except that it's rather obvious what it means, isn't it?)
ReplyDeleteyou tell 'em! i like "fisticuffs" (the word, that is), though i'm not sure too many people (even adults) would recognize it (except that it's rather obvious what it means, isn't it?)
ReplyDeletePugilist. I like that word.
ReplyDeleteYou know, asking them to look in the dictionary was probably seen as a punishment.
The funny (and sad) thing is that when some folks try to stop another from brawling or enforce peace, they end up using brute force to do it.
Peering with one eye, I hold my had out a few inches from that eye and "squish their heads."
I'd say it's fair enough for you to set and enforce library rules.
ReplyDeleteSome teachers truly aren't cut out for the job, sadly. All kids need to be "civilized" - I know mine sure did - good on you for caring enough to draw some firm boundaries!
ReplyDeleteThere is always one class in a school which is termed as the naughtiest. yea. teaching them is better than punishing them!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the teacher just waits around for someone else to take control. She must have tenure.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're teaching the teacher as much as the kids, with this little lesson. Yes, it's exhausting to spend all day on behavior issues, but, as with parenting, if you've signed up for the job, well, then, handle the job.
ReplyDeleteAn ass-kicking librarian. LOVE that. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso? Fisticuffs is one of my favorite words. :)
You go girl ... a little discipline never hurts
ReplyDeleteBut, but, but, what about the little dears self-esteem?! Aren't you afraid of damaging their tender psyches if you instill RULES and DISCIPLINE?! What is this, martial law in the library?! Next thing you'll tell me is that you believe in "keeping score" at athletic events and giving students "grades" on their school work. Do you want them to get the idea that it's a hard, competitive world out there and that "outcomes" are not guaranteed or that they actually have to work hard to be successful and that sometimes they might just experience bad luck and that life isn't always fair? Damn, you are a cruel taskmaster (taskmistress?)
ReplyDeleteMs. Lime! I hope the precious snowflakes aren't irreparably harmed by your harsh tactics. Do you think we could have defeated the nazis and the soviets with people who had their spirits crushed by teachers (and paraprofessionals) who actually imposed rules and discipline on them? I think not! The "Greatest Generation" was a coddled lot and look at what they accomplished. I think you need to reconsider your draconian methods before we lose another generation of young people who get the idea that they don't get to live by their own rules and aren't going to get everything handed to them! Do you REALLY want that on your conscience, Library Lady?! Hmmmmmm?????
Brilliant Michelle! Be warned, the dragon lives here, and it bites! - Dave
ReplyDelete