I don't have advice for Tracy's friend. I like what she said about connecting with just one of those kids and working from there. I have That Kid in one of my groups. He's the one that I expect any day to be gone because he must be about to be transferred into special ed., right? I mean there's no way you can be that hair-triggered and disruptive, that button pushing and not have something wrong with you. I always have to keep my thumb on him. I've been trying to think of a way to connect with him and have come up empty-handed.
Yesterday that class was cancelled due to the never-ending testing. He came to my room anyway. "No class today," I said, not even looking up.
"Oh. Sorry," he said. "Hey, look at this."
I looked up and he was holding up one of the little paper citizenship awards we pass out for good behavior. I tried not to sound too surprised when I asked, "What did you do?"
Another student had gotten hurt on the playground. Our beefy friend here had given the kid a piggy back ride all the way to the clinic in the front of the building. I got a chance to say something positive and wish him a good week. Connection made! (I hope).