It's the little things...

Today was not a particularly memorable or noteworthy day. It was schedule change day, and the 7th graders have an extra class this term, so the classes got split up. Now there are 5 classes of 7th graders instead of 4. It was strategic, of course, and a lot of kids lost their partners in crime. For me, this means more kids doing work and fewer kids feeding off each other's craziness. Three of my favorite kids who used to be in class together are all in separate classes now. I love it, because they don't fight for my attention--I can spend a whole class period with each kid, if I want to or if they need it.

One of those three was pointed out to me the first day that I was in Seabrook. He was the only one in the entire grade that Mr. Smith pointed out and said, he needs your help, but if you don't think you can handle him, no one will blame you. This was terrifying. The one kid in the whole grade that no one can deal with. But because his two friends latched onto me, he kind of did too. Today he was so happy to have my undivided attention. We spent almost the whole hour together. It's hard to get him to focus, but when he does, he really gets it. And he's interested and asks questions. Yes, he is distracted by girls and wants me to pass notes for him (I told him he can pass his own notes, but not until he finishes the class work). But I don't understand why teachers think he is so difficult and unmanageable. When did I become someone who can bond with the unruly kids?