Waterworks

Today, I am giving tests in four of my five classes. In my second hour class, one of my goofier students, a junior, I'll call him Carl, was being more silly than usual. He was knocking things off of other students desks, he through an empty water bottle at the recycling bin (and missed), and in the middle of me giving the test directions, he belched so loud that the walls shook. (Ok, maybe I am exaggerating.)

In my best teacher voice, I said, "Carl, out in the hall." I got the rest of the students started, then went out to scold him. So, I was doing my usual scolding--"Your disruptions and behavior have been getting worse. The classes is being negatively impacted. Today, I am going to have to call home and call your coach, and let them know about your behavior. . ."

That is when the tears came.

"Mr. Miller, I'm sorry! I don't mean to be bad, I've been trying to be better . . ."

Oh, God, I get so freaked when the boys start to cry. But at this point, I think I finally got through to him. Then we talked frankly, him through his tears, and reached an understanding. We shook hands, and he thanked me (!).

I think he grew up a little today.