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September 23, 2008

That Kid

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).