Attachment and Control

    This being my fifth week at the Chesterbrook, many of the students are becoming more comfortable with being around me.   The students are really starting to change.  My presence seems to make an impact on them.  Many of the kids now play tricks on me and joke around.  The good thing is that if I'm serious about something then they will stop messing around and do what is required which is nice.  Once the kids become comfortable with you it is very important that you set boundaries on what's OK and what's not.  If you don't set those boundaries then the kids will completely disrespect you and you will lose your control over them.  At the same time this is a very challenging task because by what I have observed many of the students like to rebel authority and try to do things that go against the authoritative figure.  A trick to gaining the student's obedience once they become attached to you is to disapprove of behaviors that you don't want them take part in and encourage the good behaviors.  It may be hard to do, but it is well worth it in the long run.  I've used this strategy a couple of times and it has proved to be useful.  I hope this helps everyone out who may be in the same situation.  If you have come across this issue, reply and tell me what you think.

Comments

[Jeff Jacques]

Hey whats up Hitesh,

I enjoyed hearing your take on how this week's session at Chesterbrook went. I found your advice to be very helpful and I plan on using it during sessions in the future. Let me know if you have any other advice.

[reshma]

Hey Hitesh
Im gald you feel as though the kids are becoming more engaged in 2+2=5. Im happy they are opening up to you and feeling more comforatble around you. I think you will get more out of the program since these changes. I also liked your advice becasue ive been in that siutaion a few times myself and have not known what to do. Its liek you want to try to control them but not so much that they feel as though they cant be creative but then again you dont want to seem like a real hard ass and you want to be there friend. Its a tough call to make. Next time i will try your advice and see how it works out. Ill let you know if it worked.
-Reshma