Got a "Wild Child" on your hands? Maybe this is the Solution
Arch'
As I waited for Mrs. Hawkins' IEP meeting, I recalled one of my first sessions several years back for Arch’. In a short period of time he had become one of the most disliked individuals in the school. Teachers cursed his presence, administrators despised him. But most of all the students outright hated him. He cheated, stole, fibbed, bad-mouthed, played dirty tricks, and beat on everyone just about all the time. There was no despicable act that he hadn’t perpetrated on his innocent victims at one time or another. Some called him the “spawn of the devil.” Most thought that he was much worse.
I was at my wits end with this holy terror for a half day. I was ready for the meeting and a chance to change him dramatically.
The afternoon teacher began with her report since she wanted to leave the meeting and get back to her class. As she talked about Arch’s ability to read and write, observe time, and perform math problems, I found myself becoming quite angry, but decided to hold my tongue. When she had left, I asked the parents. “What did you think of that report?”
Mr. Hawkins sipped on coffee while he reached for a raspberry pastry. “It was nice to hear he is doing so well.”
Mrs. Hawkins jumped in. “Yes, it was pleasant enough…” she stammered, “but I was hoping for something more.”
“Tell me more. You can talk freely here.” I passed her a strawberry pastry and poured her another cup of coffee.
"She talked as though Arch’ is a model of perfection and that he is doing well in her class. The Arch’ we see at home is simply horrible. If we don't begin a plan to change him, he'll be a candidate for the state prison. My other boy has had trouble with the law and there may be no hope for him. I don’t want that happening to Arch’.”
Mr. Hawkins said, “Yeah, It’s good that he is doing some read’n and write’n, but it will do him little good if he gets sent to prison.”
I peered out the window at the red oaks that had lost half their leaves to the fall frost. “I'm not going to sit here and tell you all the terrible things Arch’ has done in this school. I will say that if I did, that we would be here all afternoon. I will tell you that if he doesn't improve his behavior soon, there's going to be a lot of serious trouble for both him and you.”
“That’s the kind of down to earth talk we want to hear.”
“Good—let’s roll up our sleeves and see what we can do today for Arch’. I really believe that underneath all the problems we are seeing is a wonderful, loving individual trying to get out. I think it's a health problem.”
I felt that Arch’ was very likely not getting a proper diet. I told them that I had observed his eating habits and noted that Arch’ was exceptionally thin. He spent a lot of time sleeping in the morning and was peppier after a small lunch and that it was possible that he behaved better in the afternoon class as was reported earlier. We discovered that he had been eating no breakfast and little dinner.
“It’s not going to be an easy task as he is in the habit of not eating like he should. We must get him to eat nourishing food at every opportunity. We’ll need to see that we wean him off the sugar snacks that have brought him to this point.”
“Let’s try it—we have nothing to lose.”
We all agreed to give my plan a chance by making sure that Arch’ ate much more nourishing food. The parents agreed to make him eat a healthy breakfast. I would see that he had a pint of milk when he arrived at school and I would make sure he ate the school lunch. We all agreed to get him away from the sugary candy bars and junk food that he was presently eating. We worked hard with the program and it was no easy task getting Arch’ to eat properly. There were daily phone calls back and forth and notes passed between us regularly.
Three weeks later, Arch’ was a different person. His peers were leery of the new Arch’ and still expected him to pounce upon them whenever my back was turned.
Tiny and Big Jim approached me. “Mither Lancather, ARCH’ UP TO THOMTH’N REALLY BAD!”
“What's that?” I saw Arch’ holding a door open for Ben, a wheelchair student. “He looks OK to me.”
Big Jim was worried, he wrung his hands. Beads of perspiration poured down his face. “We all don’t know yet, but he hasn’t done noth’n bad YET today. We know that he’s saving up all the bad stuff. We all figure he’s gett’n ready for SOMETHING REALLY, REALLY, AWFUL!”
“Watch’m Mither Lancather!” Terror filled Tiny’s eyes. “He gonna do thumptin any minute now!”
“KA-BOOM!” Big Jim imitated an atomic bomb and pointed at Arch’.
The pair crept their way across the room, careful not to turn their backs on him.
I smiled. They were sure the roof was going to come crashing down at any moment. I knew otherwise.
Six weeks later, everybody loved Arch’. He'd help pass out materials, assist the helpless in wheelchairs, and perform any task I wanted, with an amiable, loving disposition. The past was quickly forgotten by all. He was voted unanimously by his peers to be the president of the student body.
One day, he looked at me with those gleaming white teeth, the broad smile, and the Afro. “I want to thank you, Mr. Lancaster.”
“You do? What for?”
“For gett’n me off the suga and onta the good food. I feel a lot betta. Thanks for caring ‘bout me.” He handed me an envelope.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a note from my mom.”
“Oh, oh—I hope I’m not in trouble.”
He flashed his teeth at me as he so often did. I carefully unfolded the note and read it to him.
“Dear Mr. Lancaster,
We want to thank you for all that you have done for Arch’ and our family. Our other boy is gone and Arch’ is all we have now. Your simple concern for him has changed our lives in ways that you can only imagine. We wished you had been a teacher of our other boy as we know now that it could have been much different for him. May you continue to help others like you have helped us.
May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins”
I placed an arm across his shoulder. “If someone is ever bad to you, remember how you were. Tell yourself that something is wrong with them and they can't help themselves. Don't ever hate anyone. Instead, forgive them and then offer your hand.”
I placed the note on the bulletin board where I would always treasure it. “Everyone needs a helping hand at some point in their lives. Sometimes the simplest bit of caring can make all the difference.” I peered out the window. Snowflakes were gently drifting from the sky. “When good fortune shines upon you, use it to shine upon others. Can you remember that for the ole man?”
“I’ll remember, Mr. Lancaster. That is somethin’ I will never forget.”
~*~
Critcal Reviews of Fantasy books by Jenny (including Lean against the Wind & Watchdogg)
If you enjoyed this story you may enjoy Tiny asks a Question about Hard Times.
Tiny wrote a song about politics and RJ warbles! Get ready to laugh!
~*~
Reynold Jay disusses "Lean against the Wind."
Lean Against the Wind. eBook &. Print
Comments
That was a really lovely story, and very well told. In most cases all a child needs is a proper understanding of their real problems,(like diet in this case); and someone prepared to try to change things.
This is a story that should be read by every parent, and teacher.
Thank you.
- Author
Hi Christopher! Thanks for checking in on this. I was getting lonely and thought I better post something if I wanted company and you are it. Your thoughtful comment is the highlight of my day. RJ
Good stuff, Reynold. I am a huge believer in the nutrition-behavior link. Wish all teachers were as caring and perceptive. Keep writing. Voting this a thumbs up.
- Author
Yep--nutrition and behavior are closely related. Thanks for taking the time to read it and the thumbs up. RJ
Another touching story, RJ. Sometimes paying attention to basic things such as good nutrition can have big payoffs. Thanks for the gentle reminder that human caring and understanding can also work wonders in the lives of others. It always warms my heart when I read your hubs about teaching.
- Author
Thanks for the comment which is always appreciated. I'm happy that you enjoyed it. Arch' was very likely the most improved personality of my entire teaching career. RJ
Very well written and most enjoyable read. I would have never guessed that the boys diet would be the cause of the problems. I look forward to reading more of your articles.
- Author
Thanks for reading this and welcome to HUB. Diet is big for children and adults for behavier. Try not eating for a couple of days (Don't do it!!!) and you can imagine how you will begin acting. People with big highs and lows in bahavier may have proper diet problems. Eating regularly is at the top of the list!. RJ RJ
Thank you for sharing this story. I am a teacher in an urban school district just north of Detroit and I see this first hand on a daily basis. Our school is 86% free and reduced lunch and it truly disgusts me to see the kind of food that is served in the cafeteria. We serve breakfast to everyone in our classrooms each day and there is no fruit, no whole grains, just sugar filled garbage. This is a federally funded program and this is how the students start out their day. When I pick my students up from lunch they are wild and out of control. I have always said that if they had healthier food we would see a huge difference in the behavior of our students. We are at a constant battle to keep our students under control and it seems to me that the simplist solutions are being overlooked. Thank you for sharing what I have been saying and feeling for years. I hope that Michelle Obama's plan really does get put into place and makes a difference. Great hub!
- Author
Yep. Get'm off the sugar and things will turn around quickly. I worked at a high school where they played Jerry Spinger on the TV's in the cafeteria everyday and then wondered why they had so many riots! You'll love my novel that has a field day with this kind of stuff. True life is wilder than any fiction I could ever dream up! RJ
Thanks for sharing. I know it sounds trite: to make a difference in ONE's student's life, but YOU did. As a former administrator in high school I was in charge of IEP's... I know and understand what you were faced with one a daily basis. Teachers like you are unfortuantely the exception... Hopefully you sharing this story will make a difference in other instructors... It begins with a "seed."
Thanks for being you...
- Author
Thanks for the insight on this today. Most all the teachers I worked with were exceptional. We all worked hard to prepare our students for the life ahead. Oh, oh... The administrators are the bad guys in the novel I'm working on, and I hope you don't throw me in detention! RJ
That was a delightfully touching story. Years ago, I taught Pre-First. I had a six-year-old that went from being a "holy terror" to quite angelic due to getting him on the proper medication and diet. It can indeed make a great difference.
- Author
Hi DJ ... You would be surprised how many people never think of this as a problem. It is a simple fix. Thanks for taking the time. RJ
Hey there! Great story. My son was ADHD so I know the horrors of a child eating too much of the wrong thing. Never a pleasant day if that happens. Good work.
Excellent writing here! Good dialogue, good narrative. I'm impressed! Danced on your buttons, BTW.
- Author
Thanks for taking time to read. Made my day. I'll see what you are writing and make a comment. RJ
Uplifting story, joy to read! Highly recommended for relaxing and discovering some beauty in our life. Happychoice
- Author
Thanks for checking it out. Much appreciated. RJ
Not only is this an exceptionally written window into a young person's life being one of hope and success rather than one of self-destruction and ignorance, but it is a taste of the future we all must build upon - finding answers, building connections - SOLVING the seemingly innumerable problems one precious human at a time. You are quite simply a friend most worthy of having - thanks RJ. I look forward to reading more of your work ...
- Author
Hi bbnix, Thanks for checking this out. I'm already looking forward to seeing your next Hub. RJ
Another heartwarming story. Good work. Thanks for sharing
Voted up and an awesome to boot! Made me cry!! Great story! Unfortunately, not a lot of stories end that way. May be because of their home situations, chemical imbalances, and so many other items. But thanks for caring for your kids! That is what makes a great teacher great!!
- Author
Arch wanted this one. " NJ, don't cry 'cause I'm OK now. I remember Mr. Jay tell'n me, 'When good fortune shines upon you, use it to shine upon others.' I do it everyday now."
I loved, loved, loved this story. It reminds me of a former student back when I taught Pre-First. I had a student who was ADHD. Prior to being diagnosed, he was a huge challenge to the teachers, his classmates, and his family. Once he got on medication, it was a night-and-day difference. He became the sweetest, most well-liked kid in the class. Proper nutrition or medication can sometimes make a huge difference. I suspect that nutrition could have been part of his issues; however, this was back in mid-1980s. I did not know that much on that subject at that time.
- Author
Yep, the proper medication has the same effect for many children. I was lucky to diagnose it correctly, but the eating habits were the clue in this instance. Thank you for the comment and your story!
Too bad such common-sense solutions rarely occur to parents and caregivers of "problem" children. That, paired with compassion and honesty, is what we all need more of.
Bravo!
- Author
A Dark... I took a look at it and it looks great and you'll see my comment there. Be sure to take a look at THE CARROT and the KINDLE if you are even thinking about publishing "A Dark..." You'll be up to date and know what to do with your novel. You probably already have it figured out, just thought I'd mention it. RJ
This was a just an overall touching story. I really liked it! Oh and thank you for the comment as well!!
- Author
Thanks for stopping by. RJ
Yeaaaaah, clapping her hands! Another great story well down. Had this HADD all the way to the end! Whoa!
Teach me how to do this!
Tina
- Author
Arch wanted this. " Hi GR! Thank you for check'n out my story. Tiny made the cannibal sandwiches for us yesterday and you gotta big winner. Rj says he is pretty much done with writ'n serious stuff cause us kids are smarter tham him! Well--that's a stretch, but we all hope to be as smart as him one day. I'm gonna wash cars this summer and earn some money like Tiny. We are think'n 'bout set'n up a Cannibal sandwich and lemonade stand too! Mr. Jay says he's gotta novel coming out next month and all of us kids are in it. Thanks for the recipes!"
ThIs was totally amazing! I was engrossed in this story down till the very last line. The lesson was beautiful-just taking a few minutes spared for someone else can make a world of difference. Excellent read! Voted up!
- Author
Arch will answer this one. " Hi Jalawa! MR. Jay says you have a great collection of writings that should end up in a book. Be sure to read poor Mr. Jay's experience, "The Kindle and the Carrot" and then you will know what to do in getting it in front of the world. Let me know how you are coming along and write anytime."
Thanks Mr. Jay and Reynold for the compliments. I am always humbled when I hear such nice things about my writing. I will definitely check out The Kindle and at the Carrot. I look forward to sharing my accomplishments and non-accomplishments (smile) with you and everyone along the way. Have a great week.
Ja'
Beautiful story. It brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for recommending it.
Jen
- Author
Hi Jenna, I always try to strike an emotional response in all my writing. Unless I have my readers laughing and in tears at the same time, I would feel that I did not do it correctly.
Arch is here and wanted to say a word. "Hi Jenna! I checked out your kid friendl'a pizza and I'm gonna heat the oven ta 350 and make one for Big Jim and Tiny!"
I Reynold, this is very lovely! I enjoy this very much. :)
- Author
Arch' wanted this one. " Hi Chanroth! MR. Jay read us some of your poems and we all cried like babies. It was horrible to see Big Jim crying his eyes out like dat. We ran outta Kleenex. I guess we are all a bunch of softies."
"Everyone needs a helping hand at some point in their lives. Sometimes the simplest bit of caring can make all the difference.” This is exactly what we sometimes forget. I believe Einstein was right when he said every action has a reaction equal to it and in opposite direction. As it was portrayed in the story, sometimes violence and misunderstanding don't solve a problem. And as adults we sometimes forget that even the young children face hard life that cause them to be hard to deal with.
I really loved the idea in the story and i hope many will take its message into consideration when dealing with others. sometimes we do have to dig deeper below the skin to see the real truth that hides behind the facade :D:D
Glad to have stopped by:D and glad to be a fan,
Uriel
- Author
Big Jim wanted this one as Arch' was busy with his duties assisting wheelchair students onto the buses. "Hi Uriel! I was ready to pound in Arch's face--heck we all hated the creep. He's very different now and its like a good guy was hiding inside him all the time. I voted for him too. So did Tiny. We all think he should run for president--not just the school--ya know--the Obama guy. Us student's got rights and Arch says I could be Secretar'a of Defense if he got elected. Hey--I know this is silly to even think such stuff, but we can always dream. See ya!"
Awesome RJ. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. Cheers
Trevor (Share Star)
Wonderful story, really inspiring.
- Author
Tiny wanted this one. "Hi LorenAyBe! Mither Jay thowed us your Miro Chicken. He thaid he liked it tho me and Arch are gonna draw thom chickenth for him. He can pick one and hang it on da wall. You can keep yourth and hang it on your wall that way. OK?"
Sure.Don't forget to use acrilic painting..it dries faster.
THIS WAS A GREAT STORY OF A CHILD BEING MISUNDERSTOOD AND IT TOOK ONE TEACHER TO CARE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE-I LOVED IT AND WILL ENJOY READING MORE OF YOUR HUBS!
- Author
"Acrilic? Mither Jay sath that meanth it water. We got water paintth. I wanna put a flower in my painting too? Mitrher Jay sath he gonna hang it over hith dethk."
Bemmer--I'll be checking out all your HUBs and make recommendations--however you need not read-m all. They are the HUBs that would be of most interest. I hope you do not think me too forward to make recommendations.
What a wonderful story! I sure will save this, and when I have the money, I promise to buy it! :) Thank you for letting me know about your recent gift to the world! Many congradulations! I salute you..and voted way up! :)
Ps. I have shared it on twitter and fb
- Author
Arch arrived back from his task on bus duty and wanted to answer this. " Hi Jo! Mr. Jay read us your HUB with the smiley face and we took a vote. We decided that number three was a good one. We all pitch in and help each other around here. Keep smile'n!"
Right on! Thank you..and yes, I am smiling from ear to ear with tears that you are such good people! :) Be safe and blessed! :) everyone..
nice one, i like the photos. i'll update about the content later :)
It is really inspiring.Thanks for sharing story on Hub.
And also thanks for following me.Needless to say i have also voted up.Looking forward to read you more.
- Author
Thank you both for the comments.
Very inspiring. I like it. Voted up + beautiful.
- Author
Arch wanted this one. "Hi Phobe! I hope this story cheered you up a bit. I like your HUBS and you seem to come up with great pictures."
I'm glad you left me a link - it's a pleasure to read your work and I wish you every success!
Thanks for sending me a link to this story. You were right, I did enjoy it. What a great message for anyone who works with children. Take the time to look a little deeper. :-)
- Author
Arch wanted this one too. " Hi Silvergenes and DMSgirl! We wash cars in the school parking lot and charge a dollar! We all get to purchase stuff for our parties. Tiny likes balloons!"
"Balloonth!" Tiny perked up at the word. " Are we gonna have ballonth at the next party?"
"Yep!"
Tiny clapped his hands and did a little jig while he eyed up a fly that was buzzing around his head. "I be there!"
Very thought provoking
awesome blog. once again thanks for your support and im now following you too! J
Wow great story! Thanks for sharing the link. :)
really a touching story...thanks for the sharing.
Very beautiful story. I loved it and it put a smile on my face. Thank-you for sharing.
- Author
Arch' wanted this. "Thank ya to all you HUBBERS for check'n out my story. God bless."
wow!! You are really talented, RJ. Keep up the good work. I will check out your hubs again for sure.
- Author
Arch' wanted this one. "Hi Sakibmoon! We need more like you with all that technical stuff. Thank you for stopping by."
- Author
Arch' wanted this one. "Hi Sakibmoon! We need more like you with all that technical stuff. Thank you for stopping by."
Hey RJ thanks for posting this. Thanks for for the youtube video as well. Love this hub!
- Author
Glad you found it. Thank you for stopping by.
Dear RJ
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story..working in the school system there is a lot of Arch's of God bless the one teacher that stops and see's past the outward behaviour..sometimes it snows ball and they give up way too soon..Awesome in everyway..Loved it!!!
Sunnie
Very good hub, I enjoyed this very much. Thanks for sharing this story.
- Author
Arch wanted this one. "Thank you for read'n my story. Mr Jay said we should be proud of who we are and do our very best and that's what all us students are work for now."
That's an amazing story Reynold Jay, makes me wonder how much all our problems would be reduced if we just ate healthy meals. Thanks.
- Author
Arch says, "Hi Cassie! Mr. Jay says we gotta do right or we'll end up wasted like Mr. Sheen."
Thanks so much for sharing the article. Voted up and beautiful. It is very touching and inspiring!
- Author
Arch wanted this one. " Hi Koralee! Big Jim and the rest of us bring our own lunches to school now while everyone else is munch'n on nachos and chesse stuff. Not for us. Nope--we know betta. I cut out your HUB and posted it in the lunch room and then gave a speech from on top of a lunch table. I'm da president here and we all gonna eat right around here!"
Very cool story and thanks for checking out mine on Mark Wassman airbrush artist. You are a good writer and the whole thing kept my total attention, the videos were a nice touch. Thanks Leslie Siegel Hub Writer!
I have an art degree and can appreciate what you do. Thanks for taking tiome to leave the comment.
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