Critical Incident

Student A was being disruptive, I used CMS, including; (a) low key eye contact and silent
wait time, (b) praising other students modelling appropriate behaviour. (c) revisiting the mat
rules, (d) warning I would send her to the Thinking Chair. Then another Student B began
being disruptive. I reacted by sending Student B to the Thinking Chair. Student B was
obviously upset by this and refused to return to the mat when I invited him back.
Immediately I realised I had made an error of judgement. Student B had witnessed me giving
repeated warnings to Student A however I had not given Student B any warning, which was
unfair behaviour. He had no chance to redeem himself.
Student B refused to return to the group. I needed to talk with Student B, however, I felt
unable to leave the rest of the class. Eventually I called for my Education Assistant to talk to
him, so I could remain with the rest of the class.
The situation resolved itself, however my growth as teacher was immense. Upon reflection I
saw through my student’s eyes and how unfair I had been. My class would feel confused and
unsafe to explore learning in all its facets, in an inconsistent environment. My future
interactions became based on praise and positive modelling. I will not to allow one students
actions to influence how I react to all my other students.