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Post by donna on Aug 23, 2014 19:22:05 GMT
The first week of school is over and it went very well! In total I have seen each of my classes 4 times because the first two days of school were half days and we only saw two classes each of those days.
There have been a lot of wonderful changes this year and I have made a concerted effort to be super positive about all of the changes. The students really seem to be responsive to the positive attitude. Well, all except for one girl. She complains all the time!! She is not quiet about the complaints either. I try to redirect with a positive spin, but it does not seem to be working. Yesterday, we had our first lab and she was particularly negative then. It was really hard for me not to snap at her, but I didn't.
How should I handle this negative student? She is in 10th grade, so she is around 16. I don't want her negative attitude to impact the rest of the class.
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 23, 2014 19:48:00 GMT
Sixteen year olds can be special, for sure. Privately talk to her at first. She would be really embarrassed if you didn't. Keep it short and to the point. Ask her to stop and if she can't, give her some kind of appropriate consequence. Will the kids get on her if she doesn't stop. Peer pressure could help. Good luck.
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Post by birukitty on Aug 23, 2014 19:51:19 GMT
From homeschooling my ADHD teenager through grades 6-12 (he was full of negativity) all I can tell you is have patience with her. The patience of a Saint. Redirection seemed to work the best for me. Never raise your voice, because then she'll know she's getting to you and that's what she wants. Keep your voice calm, cool and collected. The thing is you have no idea what is happening in her life outside of class. So try to put yourself in her shoes and realize she doesn't want to be there. Just keep on being calm, cool and collected. Eventually I found it does work.
Debbie in MD.
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 23, 2014 20:08:26 GMT
If she is blatantly disrespectful and you have a good principal, talk to him.
It depends on the student, but I sometimes look at the student in the eye without saying anything and continue on. I don't like to ignore it, but I also don't want to acknowledge it. If it is disruptive, I'd tell her in a pa it I've note, that's interesting you feel that way. We can chat about it after class or something like that.
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Post by christine58 on Aug 23, 2014 20:56:04 GMT
What is she complaining about??
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gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,092
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Aug 23, 2014 20:58:37 GMT
Start with a private conversation to find out more.
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Post by whipea on Aug 23, 2014 21:04:00 GMT
I teach at a university, so I am not sure how helpful my suggestions will be.
I am a learner centered instructor, that is I do not do lecture/PowerPoint, students are directed and I provide opportunities and facilitate as they learn. Since they are used to being fed information, I have occasional issues negativity until they adjust and embrace how much they learn and enjoy this method.
Though my students are older, 18 and up their behavior is sometimes like that of a sixteen and even a twelve year old. As soon as any negative behavior emerges, I take the student aside and state back to them what they have been saying and give them an opportunity to discuss. If they decline, I advise them to cease and desist because someday when they get a job they may not agree with everyone/thing and part of learning involves controlling your attitude. Otherwise they will find themselves unemployed. Again, this is college, but you may be able to adjust to high school priorities.
The main thing is it has to be immediately nipped in the bud or it will fester and spread and possibly disrupt the other students' learning.
One more suggestion is to wait by the door as students enter the room. Greet them and if Ms. Negative has that face or seems like she is going to start up, whisper to her you expect only constructive behavior, otherwise tell her to just turn around and wait in the counselors or principals office because you will not have her disrupting you or the others with her behavior. Don't even let her in the classroom.
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blueviolet
Shy Member
Posts: 31 
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Post by blueviolet on Aug 23, 2014 21:21:25 GMT
I would be inclined to worry about a very negative student. Constant negativity can be a sign of depression, which in teens can go from bad to devastating quickly. Do you have a competent school counselor that could you could reach out to share your concerns about the student? It might be something the counselor could check in with the student about.
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Post by donna on Aug 24, 2014 1:11:42 GMT
christine58, she complains about everything. We have had a lot of changes, but they really have been very positive overall.
blueviolet, since starting this thread I read some of the paperwork I asked the parents to fill out and found out a little more info on the girl. I will try to talk to the Mom on Monday. The student is seeing a counselor, so it would not be a bad idea to let her parent know what I am seeing in class.
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 24, 2014 2:34:19 GMT
Donna, I have already called home for three kids this year. I have a conference on Monday. Parents want to be kept in the loop. Perhaps that is the best starting point.
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Post by donna on Aug 24, 2014 3:31:04 GMT
Wow, 950nancy, that is a good many calls. I hope they helped.
I will definitely call Monday.
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