just beat the “badness” out of them
I have seen more physical discipline in the past couple days than I have seen for … well, a few weeks. This is the second time I’ve brought up the subject of behavior modification tactics in the schools, because the horror of it truly fascinates me.
I couldn’t help but watch as a Discipline Officer “beat the badness” out of one kid, in the hallway, during class time. Unbelievable. The kid was sitting in a position where he was resting with his calves completely under his thighs, his butt resting on the soles of his slippers, while the teacher slapped his back and shoulders about a dozen times with a meter stick weighted at the end in black electrical tape and coins.
What the hell is this all about?? I thought the kid was going to pass out, but he just sort of tipped-over, screaming and crying … until she raised the stick and told him to stand up. Which he did ~ and promptly vomited. Resulting in several strikes to his backside, and an order to find a mop… I didn’t stay to see the discipline for the other two students, who were standing in the hall, waiting for their turn.
In-class discipline is comparatively minor ~ holding heavy objects (like a chair or a desk) over their head for long periods of time, or having a steel-edged ruler thrown at them, or standing in a corner for 20 minutes. But, it is not unusual to have students come to class with hands so swollen from slapping that it looks like they have been burned, others with bruised cheeks and black eyes, a few with broken fingers …
I have asked the co-teachers to not any “discipline tool” (baton, ruler, etc) into my classroom.
If I give someone the “stink eye” stare down, or I stand at the podium in silence, or (worst case) rest my hand on a student’s shoulder, the kids get it. I’m not suggesting that I have an audience of angels ~ they are typical teenage boys (talking, poking, mouthing off …), but I just don’t think there is any reason to “beat the badness” out of them ~ they’re just kids.
Tags: 1
Nancy
April 26th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
My heart aches… I cannot imagine witnessing such punishment, much less having administer it. I think we got the “stink eye” stare from one of our English teachers – Phyllis Gausman. It works well with my students, too. I’ve been told not to use it, but is much less damaging that being hit with a stick. Hang in there. Kris
April 27th, 2009 at 5:44 am
Geez, what year is this and how can that go on?? It would be hard to see and even if you don’t see it, to see the kids coming to class like that. Unbelieveable!! I bet the kids in your class are glad they have you for a teacher! How lucky they are. Take care – Kathy
April 27th, 2009 at 9:42 am
I agree with the other 2 responses and question how things like this can go on in this day and age. Is there no hope that any of this will change? Do the results make it worthwhile as far as the teachers are concerned? I guess they’ve never heard of the Geneva Convention! I feel bad for the students, but even worse for you because they don’t know any other way. Your students are truly the lucky ones! Be strong – Deb