I’m really struggling with a situation in my Ethnic Studies class. There’s a girl (let’s call her S) in the class who has special needs, and I’ve known her since kindergarten. Unfortunately, she hasn’t changed much over the years. She still doesn’t seem to understand that hitting others when upset or having a meltdown because she can’t play Brawl Stars isn’t appropriate. Last year in science, we had a similar incident.
I’ve genuinely tried to befriend S, and she considers me her best friend. However, other students often make fun of her, and the teachers seem to have given up, allowing her to behave however she wants. Just yesterday, while we were writing essays, she began barking and screaming at the top of her lungs because she couldn’t watch YouTube shorts on her phone. Even though our teacher allowed her to use her phone, S continued to disrupt the class with her outbursts.
As someone who gets easily distracted, her tantrum made it nearly impossible for me to concentrate, and as a result, I couldn’t finish my essay and received a zero. It seems like she doesn’t want to engage in learning and instead disrupts the class to entertain herself. I’ve spoken to my counselor about being placed in a different class, but he mentioned he can’t guarantee that.
I’m feeling lost about what to do next. Any advice?
It sounds like you’re in a really tough situation, and it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated. Dealing with classroom disruptions can be really challenging, especially when it affects your ability to focus and succeed in your studies. Here are some suggestions that might help you navigate this:
Talk to Your Teacher: Since your teacher is responsible for managing the classroom, consider having a private conversation with them about your concerns. Explain how S’s behavior is impacting your ability to learn and see if they can implement strategies to help minimize disruptions during important class activities.
Find a Support System: Reach out to classmates who may feel similarly and see if you can collectively express your concerns to the teacher or counselor. Sometimes, having multiple voices can make a bigger impact.
Explore Coping Strategies: Since you mentioned getting distracted easily, it might help to develop personal strategies for coping with disruptions. This could include sitting somewhere quieter, using noise-canceling headphones, or practicing mindfulness techniques to help you refocus when distractions occur.
Encourage Positive Interaction: If you feel comfortable, try to engage S in a way that redirects her energy positively. Perhaps you could encourage her to participate in class activities or help her find appropriate ways to express her feelings when she’s upset.
Follow Up with Your Counselor: Since you’ve already spoken to your counselor, consider following up with them about your situation. It could be helpful to discuss alternative solutions that might work better for you and your academic needs.
Focus on Your Goals: Although it’s tough, try to keep your focus on your goals and your education. Find ways to stay motivated and remind yourself that you’re working towards your own success, regardless of outside distractions.
Remember, it’s great that you care about S and her well-being, but it’s also important to prioritize your own education. You deserve a learning environment where you can focus and thrive!