by James Burns | Mar 1, 2018 | Uncategorized
Students who excel academically usually have a fair amount of confidence. That is a good thing. But, cockiness and arrogance are not good. These attitudes can begin to prey on the nerves of other students and at times, even on you as the teacher. This student may believe that he/she has all the answers and will challenge your role and knowledge as the teacher. This can affect the student’s relationships with other students in the class and with you as the teacher. Even though the student is academically gifted, he/she may be emotionally immature. This attitude will not only have a negative impact on the student in the present, but in the future as well. Correct him/her when necessary and make him/her aware of how he/she is being perceived by other students. A bully will zero in on this kid’s cockiness and begin to victimize him. As teachers, be careful. Just because this student may be on your last nerve and you begin to believe that this student may need to get knocked down a peg or two, don’t look the other way when he/she is bullied.
by James Burns | Feb 28, 2018 | Bully Proof Classroom, James Burns, Uncategorized
Too often teachers award a grade of an “A” or a “B” to a student, when in reality the student doesn’t know the material and a more realistic grade would be a “C” or even a “D.” Parental or administrative pressure or curriculum timelines can place you in a position of awarding a grade that is not in line with your student’s actual performance or ability. This is more of a problem for the student and the student’s parents than for you. Students who have an inflated view of their own ability move on to the next marking period or the next grade with a lethal combination: an inflated view of their academic ability (overconfidence) and a lack of the prerequisite skills they need to succeed. This cockiness combined with the students perception of their true ability can produce anger-related issues that could translate into bullying behavior. These students ultimately become behavioral and academic problems for another teacher who often will blame you for the problem. Plus, another huge problem that arises is that the student’s parents also develop the same inflated view of their child’s ability. This grade inflation only produces future pain for the student, the parents, any of the student’s future teachers, and maybe even you, down the road.
by James Burns | Feb 26, 2018 | Anti Bullying 101, Bully Proof Classroom, James Burns, Uncategorized
The past is the past, right? Wrong. The past can and will dictate the future if we allow ourselves to be measured based on our failures rather then our successes. Let’s face it. We all have failed or fallen short from time to time. Just because we have failed does not mean we are a failure. It just means we did the best with what we knew at the time. Parents can do this once they take a look at the lifestyle or the behavior of their grown children. If you are a parent, take heart: you did your best with the information you had in the process of raising your children. If you are a teacher and have had your share of problems and headaches and feel like the funds are low and the debts are high, don’t look back. Don’t drive while looking in the rear view mirror; you will hit a future tree. Gandhi once said, “Be the change we wish to see in the world.” What changes do you want? A kinder and gentler place for kids to come, have fun, and learn? Realize that you are the one that has the capacity to facilitate the change. Have you goofed up in the past? So what? The past is the past, so please don’t ever let it remind you of what you are now. Let the past remind you of what the future holds when you finally let go.
by James Burns | Feb 23, 2018 | Anti Bullying Coaching and Resources, Anti Bullying Tips, Bully Proof Classroom, James Burns, Lesson Plans, Motives, Responsibility
Do you ever watch CSI (Crime Seen Investigation)? I do, occasionally. I am at amazed how all of the evidence that is collected can point directly at the suspect in question, but they just can’t seem to figure out a motive. They need the motive to convict the person of the crime. We all know what the motive of a bully is, right? Power. They want to have power and control over a smaller or weaker person. How do you change the motive of a bully? By being the strongest and most influential person in the classroom. That’s right, you, the teacher have this ability. You don’t need to use power; you need to use your influence. When your students realize that you are in charge their motives change from wanting to hurt others, to wanting to help. They have met their match. Remember, it is not about the influence of your power, but rather the power of your influence.
A Unit Plan On Responsibility
by James Burns | Feb 21, 2018 | Anti Bullying 101, Attitudes, Responsible Attitudes
The sources of the most painful offenses are not usually actions, but attitudes. People who offend others unintentionally are judged with less severity than those who intend to hurt. Even in law, the intent behind a crime is a factor in assessing the guilt of the one who stands before the judge. This is one area that is the most difficult to change in ourselves and in our students. We ask our students to do things all the time, and they should comply with our request. But really, it’s not as much about the compliance, but more about their attitude when they comply. Are they resentful and angry, and is it like pulling teeth to get them to cooperate with even the smallest task? Character is truly what a person does when no one is looking. A bully will always act when no one is looking. They will deny their hurtful actions and blame others for their behavior. Begin correcting the attitudes of your students; by doing so, you will prepare them for a better future. But, more importantly, you will help them to evaluate the intent of their actions.
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