Emotional Pain In The...

You know that feeling in your throat that you get when you're fuming mad and hold whatever you want to say in. It's like a burning piece of coal in your throat that moves up your knock and into the back of your mouth. It now starts to sting as if you ate something that was knock-your-socks-off spicy or smack-your-momma sour. You then feel your body temperature rise, jaw locks, eyes water, behind the ears gets hot, and your head starts pounding.

I imagine this is how infuriated a fourth grade students was when he decided to yell, scream, and toss a chair in our classroom. Right?

I mean, why would you not be expected to sit down in a chair and not talk across the room?

Some educators think that this student needs strategies to deal with his anger. Eh, maybe. But wise ol' momma-Jas once told me, "When you cry and tantrum you're making the decision to not to use your words to express yourself. You're letting your emotions take over the power of your words." She always taught me that my words, opinion/voice are will get me further than tears and tantrums. I can't remember if it was a look or if I got my behind tore up for trying to tantrum. I do remember that I was ALWAYS able to question others and explain my feelings to adults if done respectfully and in a timely-manner.

Where has parenting gone? And so I pray...

*Jas*

Attachments

"EH isn't coming back this year!" roommate #2 exclaimed.

I sighed in relief and continued to my other task of keeping 21 fourth grade males engaged in their math activity. After passing EH's name tag at an empty seat several times that morning, the relief quickly turned to sadness. I was looking forward to EH's moodiness and charm. This student grew to be one of my favorites throughout my first year teaching and now I wondered if I would ever see him again.

Another favorite of mine from last year still comes up to the school to visit and I feel like I am seeing an old friend. Her smile still makes my day! I hope she and he stay sweet, where ever they go. And so I pray!

*Jas*