Thursday, February 19, 2009

Disrespect

I can't believe how disrespectful kids are! Every day at least one child argues with me. Usually about something I saw them do. I don't get it. I would have never even thought about arguing with an adult, especially when I was totally wrong!



Today was my limit with one girl in 2nd grade - I'll call her A (for Arguing Girl!) Here's how our morning went when she walked in about 15 minutes late.



Me: Oh A, you're here. I just marked you absent.

A: I WASN'T ABSENT!

Me: Yes, you were. I'll change it to tardy.

A: I WAS HERE!

Me: Um, no. You just walked in the door.

A: I was in Mrs. B's room.

Me: Right. So you weren't in MY room which makes you absent from MY class.

A: I'M NOT ABSENT!

Me: I see that you are here now. Get your folder and get to work.



I gave her the clue for the mystery word of the week. They know it is a verb and has 3 letters. The clue was "I am faster than walking." The answer is run. She guesses runing (running). I won't take that since the clue says 3 letters. I just put them up if they don't get it right and move on.



A: MINE WAS RIGHT!

Me: No, it wasn't. Come to the table to get started.

A: YES IT IS RUNNING. I GOT IT RIGHT.

Me: No, A. It is not. Why are you arguing with me?

A: I'M NOT ARGUING!

Me: Yes, you are.

A: No, I'm NOT!

Me: A. Stop yelling. You can stay with me during PE to write sentences.



She started bawling. This wasn't the end of the mess. She carries on and on. I finally told her give me her mom's phone number that she couldn't remember until I was on my way to the office to get it. Then I tell mom about how A argues with adults constantly. I go through our morning with her. Mom says, "I really don't think she was arguing with you." I gave up.

Anyone figure out how to get these kids to stop arguing with adults? Mine students never win an argument. They end up in trouble, but don't care. They must get their way at home by doing this!

5 comments:

Dree said...

I think your conversation with mom explains it all. You told mom about A's day, and instead of backing you up and promising to talk to her daughter, she ARGUED WITH YOU. Apple doesn't fall far from that tree, does it? :)

Things are so different now. When I was in grade school, I wouldn't have dared to argue with a teacher, even if I knew she was wrong. Well, hang in there and TGIF!

Anonymous said...

I have lots of disrespectful children and it drives me crazy. I am not sure where it comes from.

John Deere Mom said...

Eek! What a little brat! Thanks for the heads up about the JD game. I grabbed a Lucky form from a 2nd grade teacher and ordered it today! Woo hoo!

Anonymous said...

They can only argue if you let them, don't HAVE the conversation. I know, easy to say not so easy to do. My wife (who also used to teach kindergarten) tells my all the time, "Why are you arguing with a 5 year old?"

Anonymous said...

SO MANY things are explainded when we talk to the parents.......