Kids

I am subbing today at a local school here in Clovis and had a wonderful conversation with one of the secretaries here today.  She called the class I was in at the time and asked to speak to me.  Since 6th period was my prep I was assigned to another classroom to watch during that time.  Yet the conversation I had with the secretary was what made me laugh and consider the situation at the same time.  

"Hello?"  

"Hi Andrew.  This is Janet."  

"Hi Janet.  How are you doing today?"

"Fine thank you.  I have a favor to ask of you."

"Sure.  Whatever you need.  How can I help you?"

"6th period is your preparation period and I have a science class that I need covered.  It is in (a certain room number was named)."

"That's fine Janet."

"Well you see, this class is special.  They are a handful, to say the least, and so I am going to have (our LD) come by a couple of times just so his presence if felt because these kids get out of hand often.  Even with their regular teacher."

"I think I will be ok Janet."

"Yeah maybe.  But you don't know these kids.  They are, well, and handful."  (chuckle)

I was laughing earlier because after my conversation on the telephone, I had a stigma of what the kids were going to be like even before I came into contact with them.  I am currently in their classroom while they are taking notes on a video and they are behaving, for the most part, just fine.  There are a few rambunctious ones, but some light sarcasm helped to keep them on track.  

I just find it interesting that when I have some pre-arranged notion regarding someone or something, I find myself predicting and having stereotypes that do not necessarily hold true for me in that situation.  I guess a lot of different teachers have had a tough time with this class.  They have been average for me with no big problems, other than asking kids to at the very least act their age (or within 5 years of it).  Some of them will never understand what it is like to grow up and have responsibility and be a respectful person.  Hopefully, I can be used to help kids understand the benefits of being a normal human being who respects those around him and cares about something other than themselves.