How about a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T please.

So today in class...

I am giving instructions to my 9th grade Literature class about an upcoming writing assignment. This is a big step in responsibility for them because it is a long term project with a due date in 4 weeks.

I am attempting to teach them time management and explained that if they finished the assignment before the October due date, then they could turn it in for an early grade.

I say all of this but I know wholeheartedly that they will ALL wait until the night before it is due to even start the project!

As I am talking I can see, once again, that Damian (names are changed, but this name change has a very specific connotation) is no paying attention. In fact, he is mumbling to himself, annoying others around him, and picking at his long, freshly painted black fingernails.

I pause for a dramatic moment hoping he will become aware of the silence and look up at me.

Nope.

I do not have the energy to walk over to his seat, so I stop my instructions and I say, "Damian, what did I just say?"

Damian doesn't even bother making eye contact and replies, " I don't know, all you ever say is blah, blah, blah."

Is THIS what my life has come too? I am not asking for a 'yes, sir/ma'am' response. I do not require student to stand in class and answer me directly. I do not expect the 'I had to walk 100 miles in the snow with no shoes' attitude about life.

But, I would like a little common decency! My Goodness.

So many things run through my mind. "All you ever do is waste me time!" "All you ever do is annoy the hell out of me!"

"Damian, step put into the hall (and fall into the pit of hell so I don't ever have to see you again) for now," I calmly reply to show the class this does not bother me or warrant a response.

I step to my desk, write Damian a referral to the office.

I will see him in class same time tomorrow.