Teaching is my profession. Counselling is also my profession. For both, I ensure I am prepared – as close to perfect as can be. It is never the goal but it is something to strive for since it is for the betterment of others. I do not ask for perfection in my life, in how I keep things which don't affect others. My only ask is my work is respected by the professionals around me.
When it is not, then I get cranky. It happened today when a teacher was late by 30 minutes. If they are 5 minutes late, it is understandable. If it is 10 then it is OK. When it is more than crankiness comes in. It grows even more when there is no notice – a message. When they come without an apology or something then it gets worse. It is not an excuse but an acknowledgement of being late or at least a respect for what I do and the effort put in.
The students came into the classroom as expected. They lined up outside the class and marched in groups except him. He ran in as fast as he could and started spinning around. I wasn't bothered, but the other teacher was trying to 'control him.' It was no use. I let him do as he pleased but gently tried to ask him if he would want to sit down and relax a bit. He grunted and let him be.
I am an English Teacher, and most of my lessons are taught by a local Chinese Teacher. I have been doing this for several years and know the ebbs and flows of how to teach here in Hong Kong. I will do everything in some classes while the local teacher will manage the class. In rare classes, we co-teach and finish each other's sentences. Either way, the needs of the students are met. When there is an SEN student, I tend to be more understanding with my background as an SEN student and my experiences working with students with challenges.
It was the first time it didn't work, and I was at a loss. The student didn't understand the need to sit still. The student didn't understand the importance of not bothering others. The other students were getting annoyed as the student would talk, touch and bother the other students. The local teacher tried to control. I tried to control a bit until I saw how all our energy was going to this boy instead of the class. The class's needs were not being met. It was not helpful.
I asked for help and was given suggestions, such as building a relationship outside the class. I am already doing that. Maybe I could use a reward system, which is already being used. We could place him in an area where he won't be a bother – it has already been done.
In previous schools, students with significant issues would be supported by a family member in the classroom. I have had mothers, aunts, and grandparents sit with students to help soothe their transition into school. Over time, the students would get better and start learning. I could see progress, and it was a wonderful thing. My fear is I won’t see it with this student.
A suggestion is to ignore the child. That hurts the most as it goes against everything about me.
I woke up and took a pill. It was a Vyvanse for ADHD.
I was diagnosed with it over 46 years ago but hadn't tried medication until 10 years ago. I take Vyvanse when I know I won't be engaging with many people but still need it to focus on getting things done. It helps me focus on whatever my brain is focused on – either on task or not. I tend not to overthink and be an over-perfectionist on the tasks I am working on. It helps, but only when I am not with other people.
Being social on Vyvanse, Concerta, or Ritalin is not good. For me, it is different; it removes the filter and eliminates any emotion from being with people. The pill turns me into a pure, logical person. I get tasks done but I am not good around people. I am a primary school teacher, and making meaningful connections is essential. It is also vital for me as a person. Connecting with others is what I crave most and why I don't take it often.
I rarely use medication to manage my ADHD. The last time was when I went to the library for 8 hours to study in August. For me, the social costs of the medication outweigh the benefits of being productive. I need to be around people. Vyvanse makes me feel like I am not a good person to be around.