From Fighter to Future Leader

[David Sandusky]

true story-names changed...
Two Camp Fire Rockies facilitators brought two groups together - and here is a recap from Susan about her kids - APS Middle School kids - interacting with Erin's kids - APS elementary schools

On the bus going back I asked them to evaluate their program. Mary who is always in trouble for beating kids up and is getting close to expulsion was leaping out of her seat for me to call on her. She said, "Miss, I saw two girls fighting and I saw how distracting that was. I'm not going to do that anymore. I learned a lot today." I about fell off my bus seat. She told of one of the (Erin's) girls coming up and thanking her for coming and telling her she learned a lot. And, another girl told Mary she loved her and thanked her for coming. This made such an impression on Mary. I know this was an experience that will stay with her for life. She was so impressed at how the kids reacted to what she did. From fighter to future CF leader?

And, I think Jack (the boy who tells how he tried to kill himself) found some purpose to his life today. He told me he was proud of himself. It brought tears to my eyes.

They all discussed all the things they learned and they all asked when they could go back. Jason said, "And, you were worried, Miss." They all laughed at me and said we were just playing around on Tues. I laughed with them and told them all what an excellent job they did and how proud I was of all of them. Even my troubled kids did great and got so much out of it. The bus trip back was the happiest I have seen any of these kids. It was a joy for me to see after the turmoil I've seen bubbling out of these kids. I told them we would celebrate their success on Tues. We're going to play musical chairs to celebrate and they are excited.

We also saw a bus carrying children with developmental disabilities and got to discuss that, too. Tim, the one who displays signs of depression and ADHD, told of his younger sister who was dropped as a baby and is developmentally disabled now. Might explain some of his behavior.

I guess this all proves my practice: Take the child who's acting out and give them some responsibility. It works every time. But, this was a new experience for me, too. I learned that-that theory works with a whole group! I was afraid the whole thing would flop after Tues and even cautioned Erin. I am so impressed with these kids. In some ways they are one of the most difficult groups I've worked with (very different levels of behavior) and in other ways they're the best (able to pull all those levels together). They really are a team, for better and for worse.
And Erin, Lindsey heard all of this on the bus. She told me she was so glad she got to see the program in action. I think my kids impressed her.

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[ericajones80]

I agree, giving a child responsibility is a great behavioral tool. Children cause the most trouble when they are idle, and if they have something to do or something to keep their mind on I've found that they are less inclined to misbehave. Good post.