“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me.” Remember that? I also remember thinking, “someone lied”. I think we all have experienced the pain of hurtful words that weren’t so easy to bounce back from.
As a child, I remember being called names because I wore glasses and of course the name “Houseworth” left me open to a world full of jokes. Kids can be so mean and cruel! As a teacher, I hear it all day. What can start as simple dialogue can erupt into cruel and unusual punishment. They dig deep to hurt! I have had to develop classroom rules that clearly state “No put-downs” and the classic … “if you don’t have anything good to say, say nothing at all.”
This week in particular, the exchanges forced a “No Talking” policy several times throughout the day in my classroom. Words exchanged were harsh and tempers flared quickly like firecrackers. I was no longer teaching but playing referee in one fight after another … I began to notice, with the same players.
You wouldn’t have known it from outward appearances. For one student, in particular, he presented himself as “tough” and able to handle himself. However, inside, he was hurting from the words and deeds exchanged. He hurt so badly, he brought a knife to school to protect himself. Imagine my shock and horror when I learned that all the fighting was in response to him being bullied by someone else. A 6th grade boy, so frightened, he felt he had to be armed.
Despite hurtful words, thankfully no one was “physically” hurt. With the truth out, I hope he’s beginning to heal.
Wow, Wanda that is horrible, but I agree words hurt and a lot of kids bully because they are being bullied them self or are so unhappy with their lives they are jealous and want to put others down to make themselves feel better.
These children are so lucky to have a teacher like you who really cares!
Take care of yourself!
My heart skipped when I read this. I remember growing up being teased constantly by my very own family…then going to school and being teased some more for how I talked and for growing up on a farm. But it didn’t make me want to come to school armed. Those have come through media and other peers…and it’s a tragedy. No more Columbines or VA Techs. What is the answer? Makes me want to shake up parents for bad behavior if it’s the case. But in the end, it comes down to your role in fostering love, safety, respect to troubled young people who may not know what those words mean in action let alone in meaning. Yes, these children are very lucky to have Ms. Houseworth as their teacher. Giving them a “house worth” being a part of. A safe haven and a home away from home. Take care of yourself and know you and your children are ALWAYS in my prayers.
I am very relieved to know you came out of this without physical harm. It doesn’t take much for my imagination to take a life of it’s own. I know you must be knocked off your feet sometimes learning how dirty some kids can be. You can stand there wondering, after they say something so hurtful you wonder what is going on in their life that you really have to break somebody down so rough and if they had the chance to do it again they would jump on it. Then you meet the parents and, “OOPS THERE IT IS”. YOU are being the change you want to see.