Dog Training

This is a funny true story- no joke! Recently my upper elementary class has been giving me a bit of a tough time in the classroom. They have a few things working against them... the class is on Friday evening, and they've been in school all week. My class is the last thing between them and a bit of rest and freedom for the weekend. They are also at the age where they are becoming very busy in other activities, and may or may not continue studying next year for this reason. Also, their bodies are changing like crazy, and one boy student likes one of the girl students. And from what we remember of Jr. High, can you guess how he shows it? He teases her mercilessly, calls her stupid, laughs at her when she tries to speak in English- all in an attempt to get her to notice him! (I'm certainly glad be be through this stage!)

So, due to the difficulty of teaching this class, I took the advice site partner and roommate Haidee, who shared the story of a class that was ten times worse, and how she was able to modify their behavior using techniques she learned in dog training. So I tried it- I held candy in my hands while I taught and kept them guessing as to when I would reinforce their positive behavior with candy... and so they behaved beautifully the whole class. I am still somewhat in shock- they were like different kids! So I guess the moral really is to "treat em' like dogs!" and then they'll behave and you can teach. Oh, the things I'm learning here! : )