I had my rules, my classroom management plan, high expectations, and little experience. I had read Harry Wong. I was going to single-handedly change every student’s behavior and academics with the zeal of a miracle worker. And then the first day came. I met my fourth-grade special education, self-contained class. Phew, we made it through. But then there was the next day and the next, and I was exhausted.I had my tough discipline code and my extreme expectations. But my students had – 10 years of life before me and, although they didn’t look any different, they were. Some of my students have severe mental delays, some have emotional disabilities. One of my students, Luis, had violent aggressive breakdowns once, maybe twice a week.
I wasn’t a drill sergeant who quickly came in to change them. Instead, it was I who changed. I reworked lessons, made them more hands-on, tactile and interactive. I left time for review, questions and true comprehension before moving on.
Then one day came where I lost control in the classroom. Luis had a breakdown. I called for help. He began throwing desks and chairs. My other students were in danger. I corralled the students over to one side of the room. Another teacher came to get them out of there. I stayed with Luis and the psychologist in the room. Luis was kicking, muffled choked-back screams barely audible; he lay on the floor amid the destruction of the room.
I was reeling, spinning. How could this happen in my classroom? I was to institute a perfect running machine and this room wasn’t even safe. I was a failure!
As a first year teacher, I went back to the drawing board. I kept my high expectations, but I implemented supports such as mood diaries, classroom jobs, and student partnerships. I devised creative outlets for my students’ anger and frustration. I grew to perceive their triggers and how to prevent the breakdowns. I called meetings with parents and called for the doctors to re-evaluate.
There has been improvement. Luis has not had a breakdown in almost two months. Other students have raised their reading levels. One girl, Caroline, won a writing contest this year for young literacy.
But I have tapered my teaching styles and approaches to meet their needs. They have not fallen in line like soldiers but they are moving forward like students. And as a newcomer, I learned something that I knew all along. If you honestly care as a teacher, kids will sense that. With that trust, you can create a safe learning environment one day at a time.
