I work sometimes as a sub in a small town. I took my class to the library and there was a metal shop students as well. I felt somoethng hit me. a small peice of paper. I didnt see who did it. I reminded the students to not throw things in class. The other teacher was a sub there as well. He looked at the students that we thought were throwing items and carried on. Something hit me again. That time I went over to the students and made my point clear. I never saw them do it. I know it was not my students. I have no evidence other than when I talked to them they seemed to lie nad another student would not look at me. The isssue did not come up again. Is there anything I should do about that? I generally feel the students respect me and do as I say. I even spend the time to talk about respect before I begin a class. Thanks! John Morris
Best thing to do would be not to turn your back...However, that is not always possible. Even if you don't turn your back, you could still get hit. (That happened to me a few days ago. It was a ninth grade algebra class. A terrible class...I was facing the class then somebody threw a paper plane at my face. I wasn't not really sure who the culprit was...It only happened once...) Leave a note for the teacher. I am not sure what the regular teacher would do though... I did not mention this throwing incident to the math teacher...I was not sure what the point would have been. I didn't know for sure who did it. It is not likely that the entire class would be "punished" for the incident. If I was sure about the identity of this person, I would have immediately kicked this guy out with a referral...
Since you started the class with laying out the number one rule of "Respect", if flying objects come your way or any other inturruptions occure, find yourself saying... "Thank you for allowing me to pause during this lesson. As a class you have a choice, either the inturruptions stop (flying objects cease) or each student will have to write a letter to the teacher and explain what respects means them." And one I've used often... "The longer it takes you to settle down and show respect, the longer it takes me to get through this section so we can do something fun..." And keep in mind...you're basically a loving, caring, and thoughtful childcare worker making sure the students are safe and sound in their education environment. Sounds like I just said we're babysitters...that's bascially what we are, but with more to consider.
The teacher might be upset, but I would rather have the students respectful toward others. I have tried that idea in the classroom and it has worked very well. I might have to spend an extra minute but they no longer mess around or become disrespectful.
