Troublemakers (#9)

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What does it mean to be a troublemaker? A troubled child who causes problems and needs to be controlled. A child who needs to learn to obey and follow the rules and elders. That is the norm that Shalaby questions. In the preface and introduction, she starts to open up the discussion. Shalaby argues that children who are labeled troublemakers are not what needs fixing, rather they are showing that something is wrong around them and that is what needs change. That can be in classrooms, different systems, home environment, and more. In my service learning I have seen certain students who are deemed troublemakers. I have also realized I too, have thought of a child as trouble. Student A is someone I have struggled in engaging and keeping her hands to herself and not distracting others. At one point I have had to ask her to leave the group table. After reading this I wonder what could I have done differently? What was student A trying to convey to me. Perhaps frustration, confusion, or the need for more attention. If we shift our perspective from "fixing the child" to "understanding the child". This can be tricky to make sure a child is not crossing boundaries and letting disruptive behavior go unchecked. 

After reflecting on this reading, on my next visit I spoke to the teacher to see if she has talked to student A.  I spent 30 minutes working the math sheet with just her. I realized that she was acting out before because she is behind in math. Student A was frustrated that her peers were ahead of her. I noticed that she does not like math because she felt it was something she was not good at. If I was to not have read this I would not have worked, one on one and got to see this student develop her math skills. I spent time not only teaching her methods but building confidence to know that learning takes time. I also practiced giving her space and letting her ask for help. So that she gains the confident to continue to ask for help even when I am not there, instead of interrupting. Like student A, there are many others. This reading reminds teacher to check their selves and remember to work a different aspect. 

Looking at this picture, how do you think these kids feel having to leave the classroom? 


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