You're an elementary teacher in a self-contained classroom. You've got a class of 29 lively sixth graders, and you've been struggling all year with classroom management. Damien, a larger than average boy, seems to resist your efforts at every turn.
You like science and have tried to provide concrete, hands-on science activities whenever you can. You've been debating whether or not to do a fun activity on chemical changes where students actually test different "mystery powders" (for example, sugar, salt, and baking soda) with different liquids like water and vinegar. You decide to go ahead with it and strategically place Damien up toward the front of the room where you can watch him. In addition, you pair him with Katie, one of your more responsible female students. Everything is going well until you go to the back of the room to answer a question and hear a student shriek, "Damien!" As you rush to the front of the room, you see Katie holding her eye as a mixture of vinegar and baking soda drips down her cheek. Damien is sitting there with a guilty look on his face. As you rush the crying Katie to the office, you wonder if you should have handled the science lab differently.
In hindsight were there some things you could have done differently in terms of the science activity?
This was already posted somewhere..can anyone find it?
It's a great question. Somehow, I cannot read your initial thoughts on it. Did you post them?
Matt's right -- where are YOUR thoughts, Bubba??
Jen, just choose one or two distinctive words from the assignment and use the search box at the top right of the Jiskha screen. I searched using "self-contained" and they all appeared!
In hindsight, there are indeed some things that could have been done differently in terms of the science activity to prevent the incident with Katie. Here are some possible considerations:
1. Pre-activity preparation: Prior to conducting the activity, it is important to establish clear guidelines and expectations for behavior and safety during the experiment. Make sure that all students, including Damien, understand the importance of following instructions and participating responsibly.
2. Small group setup: While pairing Damien with Katie was intended to provide support and supervision, it is important to consider the dynamics between students before making such decisions. Instead of solely considering Damien's size, it's crucial to also take into account his past behavior and interactions with other students. If there is a history of issues, it may be more appropriate to pair him with a student who can provide positive influence and support, rather than potentially exacerbating the situation.
3. Seating arrangement: Placing Damien up front where you can closely monitor him is a proactive step, but it's also essential to ensure that he is placed strategically within the classroom. Consider seating him closer to a responsible student who can act as a positive role model and provide support when needed.
4. Lab instructions and demonstrations: Before beginning the experiment, it is crucial to provide clear and detailed instructions to the students. Demonstrating the procedure step-by-step and emphasizing the importance of safety measures can help prevent accidents. Ensure that Damien fully understands the instructions and has the opportunity to ask any questions before proceeding.
5. Monitoring and supervision: While it is understandable that you needed to address a student's question at the back of the room, having an additional adult or teacher assistant present during the lab can help ensure constant supervision. This would minimize the risk of any student engaging in inappropriate behavior when the teacher's attention is briefly diverted.
By implementing these additional precautions and strategies, the potential for incidents like the one with Katie and Damien can be significantly minimized. It is essential to prioritize student safety and well-being during science activities and constantly reflect on ways to improve classroom management techniques.