He's smart and when he applies himself, he can keep up with the students at the top of his class. He says he likes school. And although nobody in his family has been to college, he has aspirations to be either a professional wrestler :) or a pediatrician.
After spending many hours with him in in-school suspension, I think I know WHY he bullies. His mom works at night, usually until 2AM. She is not home in the evenings, so he is home alone with two older siblings. They wander the streets or the mall. He often tags along with one of the older brothers and high school friends. I'm certain he hears and sees things inappropriate for a fifth grader. He doesn't have a schedule or support for homework or extra curricular activities. Because he's not supervised, he is unaccustomed to structure. He's not used to any kind of follow through, and when someone follows up on him, he is uncomfortable. Life is tough at home, and he takes charge of his life by trying to take charge of others.
He lashed out at his teacher. His classmates are tired of his behavior. So he has been with me for several days. When he goes to class, I'm with him. If he goes outside for a break, an adult is with him. The plan is to separate him from his peers for awhile and help him relearn the behavior expectations. He'll need to work things out with his teacher before he returns to class full time. I know he's been bored with this new routine, but he's kept his cool so far. I'm surprised he hasn't acted out toward me. And actually, we've had some pretty honest discussions.
I like this angry kid. I hope our work will stick and our voices will become a part of his conscience. Down the road, when he has to make a choice, I hope he'll stop...think...and decide to do the right thing.
