Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

11 - Art

11

Art

Monday, October 3

Kevin monitored his students while they worked at their desks. The class was quiet and seemed productive. But behavior problems could be active or passive. Some students tried to slide by, doing little or nothing, but that didn't work for Kevin. He handled a student's occasional reluctance or minor misbehavior in a way that would hopefully teach and change the kid's choices for the better. Motivation improved when departing on time to either recess or lunch was a reward for work completion and good behavior. Kevin didn't keep them long, just delayed freedom a little as a reminder. Misbehaviors dropped, and output increased when Kevin moved a student to work solo. Each preferred to sit near other kids, so it was a successful natural consequence. But despite such incentives, Art chose to leave his math work undone.

*****

Kevin kept Art after school again. For the first thirty minutes, he showed no effort, as usual. The test of wills continued. Kevin had some paperwork to drop off at the office and told Art, "I'll be right back." The kid didn't look up, just sat there.

A few minutes later, Kevin returned. Empty room. Disaster. Art must have headed for home two blocks away. Took the kid no time at all to decide to split.

Kevin walked there, thinking. Art needs to return to school. His parents support his work detention.

He knocked on their front door. Art's older sister opened it. "Hi, Bonnie. I came to get Art. He forgot to finish his work at school." Art stood behind Bonnie, silent but with eyes wide and mouth open, not believing his teacher was there. He turned and ran down the hallway. Without thinking, Kevin sprinted after him. Art tried to close his bedroom door, ready to lock it, but Kevin's foot prevented this. "Art, you need to return to school. Your parents have agreed that you will stay till five or when your work is done, whichever comes first." Art, fortunately, voluntarily exited the house with Kevin, and they returned to school.

You are an idiot. You've trespassed into the home of two lawyers. Your own father is an attorney, and he'd disown you if he ever found out about this. How will the Youngs react? I'd better solve this fast.

Art sat down on the far side of the room and began to do his work. He was sullen but produced. Kevin was astonished but pleased. Meanwhile, he made the dreaded phone call to the parents' law office. Kevin played music on the radio nearby, hoping to keep the conversation details from being overheard by Art.

"May I speak with Mrs. Young if she is available, or Mr. Young if she is not? It's about their son."

"Yes, this is Mrs. Young."

"Mrs. Young, this is Mr. Watson."

"Mr. Watson, what can I do for you?"

Kevin told her the whole story. "I know I was totally out of bounds. I intended to get him to follow through on his responsibilities as we discussed. I hope to keep your support, but will understand if you feel otherwise. However, if you forgive me this one error, I promise to never leave the room here again until it's either five o'clock or until Art finishes, whichever comes first."

There was a long pause. Kevin felt nervous, sweat forming on his forehead.

"Mr. Watson, you were impulsive and exceeded your authority. That will never happen again. You were wise to call us immediately before we got the story from our kids. I'll call my daughter now, and if she agrees with your description of the events, we will support you. You'll get one chance because I know you care about our son. Please call me after Art is done for the day."