Just a Tough Kid

This week in EDUC 435 I was able to go to my classroom for two full days, back to back, on Monday and Tuesday. Being able to go two full days was such a great experience. Getting to go for two full days made me get a little taste of how it is going to be like during student teaching. During these two days I got to start with my own small group during guided reading time. The group that I was given to work with is the lowest level learners. The scores that gave us this data was from the mClass/TRC test and the DIBELS test. From those scores, my CE grouped the students so they would be partnered with other students on their level. I learned while working with my group (30 minutes each day) that there is one student who has trouble with paying attention. I have also picked up on the students who have trouble listening and following directions.
It is very hard trying to work with students or teach students something if they are not wanting to do as you tell them. It's mainly the same students everyday getting in trouble for the same things. I found an article from Edutopia that gives 5 tips for teaching the "tough kids".

1. Set the Tone: Talk with the student before the year starts and let them know that you respect them and have high expectations for them this year. Allow them to feel comfortable around you and tell them that you believe in him/her. 
2. Be a Mentor: Some students do not have a good home life and don't get the attention they need from their parents. So they act out to get that attention that they want and for someone to take an interest in their life. Make it known that you care about the student, not only about their grades. Be positive, trustworthy and available. 
3. Make Connections: Connect with the student the best that you can by getting to know the things that they are interested in. Find a way that you can connect with them so that they may open up to you one day. 
4. Take it Personally (In a good way): Sometimes they will say things that may be hurtful to you and the classroom but take that and make it into something good that you can use to help them and their behavior. Help them out by overcoming personal struggles. Most times students say things because if their own insecurities. 
5. Expect Anything and Everything: Basically what it says... Be ready to come in contact with any type of situation. This is where diversity comes into play. Make sure that you handle each "tough kid" the best way that they will gain from the situation. 

After reading this article it made me think about the students that I am working with and those who are the "tough kids". This can relate to standard 2 of the NC Professional Teaching Standards; Teachers Establish a Respectful Environment for a Diverse Population of Students. One of the main parts of this standard is how students have a positive relationship with caring and positive adults. It is very important that Teachers have a positive impact on their students lives.