The ones I yell at the most, the ones who are always losing their recess, the ones I have to call their parents and then put the kid on the phone with them crying, the ones who cry because they think I'm unfair, etc, are always the first ones to give me a hug in the morning. They're the ones that want to tell me all about what their cat did over the weekend, or how they have a cub scout trip coming up or to look at their cool new shoes. My well behaved kids are friendly, but they don't talk to me nearly as much. In fact, the best behaved girl in my classroom rarely speaks to me unless it's to ask if she can pass out papers, or to answer a question. It's so weird!
Maybe they are trying to soften you up for a day of bad behavior. All kidding aside, they like you and want your approval no matter how bad they are, they probably do the same with their parents. As for the good kids, they like you too they just don't need the extra attention and security.
It sounds like they may want attention no matter what kind it is. That whole "squeaky wheel gets the grease" adage might be true in this particular case. This does NOT mean you should ignore those kids because it might be attention-getting.
I guess the misbehavers are looking for attention. Try lots of "differentiation"--ask a rowdy kid, would you like to pass out papers today, etc. Then ask the good quiet kids, would you like to be my lunch buddy today? I want to talk about whatever you want to talk about. Maybe if you provide a special cookie or something for the ones who are reluctant be your lunch buddy, they'll open up!
My worst behaved student does the exact same thing. He brings me presents, makes me cards, tells me stories....then minutes late tells me he hates me. Any attention is attention I guess.
Probably because you are the light of their day. They probably have a horrible home life or they don't get any attention at home. And even though you are tough on them, they know you are there for them and that you care enough to discipline them.
LOL, I can see them all lined up, hair a mess, shoes untied, clothes a tad messy, front teeth missing, lunch stained faces with the biggest grins from ear to ear just as happy as could be to have you as their teacher... Keep up the good work.. I visited my daughters kindergarten class once and there were several kids that did that with her, one showed her his sunburn, one had some story to tell, etc. I thought it was so funny.. she was the best teacher my daughter has had..
This is what I've learned from similar experiences...these kids just want someone to notice what they are doing, no matter what it is. If you treat them with respect, their behavior often improves (with the exception of this one kid I just could not reach) A second grader looks to please teachers...a lot!
The kids you're talking about are very often the ones I get close to as well. They recognize fairness and openmindedness when they see it, and some of them don't see it incredibly often. They know that I won't stay mad forever, and that me being mad at their behavior doesn't equate to my hating them.
Probably because they know that you love them BECAUSE of the boundaries you set for them!! I truly believe that kids not only want but need (almost crave!) those boundaries that we set for them in the classroom, and are appreciative when they get them! Goodness knows a lot of these kids don't have that at home!
The worst behaved ones usually have the most personality and end up being my favorites after a while! (well, except those extra irritating little "sheets")
I would expect it's because you have routine set for them and boundries like divey said. They come to you, they know what to expect, they know you will still be there at the end of the day and there tomorrow. Kids are funny in some ways.
