Teacher Wati

On good days, my 5-year-old student E is a sweet thoughtful boy. Our sessions would go on smoothly. But recently, he has been grumpy and uncooperative.

Hmmm...what has changed recently that is causing this behavior? Their main unit is being renovated. Its stuff were stored in the unit where we study.

"Nagugulahan ka ba sa unit ninyo ngayon?" "Yes! It's disgusting!"

Disgusting. His current favorite word.

It seems that the jampacked unit is affecting his sense of order, hence the outbursts and the restlessness.

Earlier, when he started being uncooperative and angry at me ("I never care for you! Never!"), and gestured to hit me when I approached, I told him, "I can show you another way. I will not let you hit."

I started stamping my feet, saying "I'm so angry!" multiple times.

Wow, it was working for me!

Most importantly, I think it was working for him, too.

He stood up, sat on the sofa, and started screaming and hitting the sofa with both fists.

I encouraged him, "That's great, you can scream and hit the sofa, but you can't hit people."

After a while, he calmed down, picked up a book, and told me calmly, "Teacher, can you read this?"

No tears. No hurt feelings. No more anger.

As I was reading, he softly said, "Sorry, Teacher."

He's back to being a sweet thoughtful boy.

Rhianne is one of my first few students. An enthusiastic and eager learner. Teacher Wati had fun teaching you, Rhianne! Do your best on your final exams. I'm sure you will ace it! ❤