"It sucks to be me" girl asked today if she could split her detention into two days. I said no. She served it tonight and was very well behaved.
In my detention, students have to spend an hour writing an essay explaining what they did and an apology to me. Then they can spend the rest of the hour doing homework (usually mine since it seems like no other teacher gives out homework in the whole world and their little minds are going to explode.)
I have heard many teachers say they do not like writing as a punishment. I don't think my detention essay is a punishment. It gives students a chance to tell their side of the story and I do believe an apology is due and good. I am not so naive to believe the apology is heartfelt, but I think it is good manners. Also, this way I have documentation of what happened in writing.
Sometimes, I will even respond in writing and we will work out teacher-student conflicts that way. I really like this because the students have to wait for a response. There is no thinking while someone is talking. There are no listening problems because everything is read and in writing.
And...our kids need all the writing practice they can get.
This young lady's apology was very nice. I have my doubts if it is heartfelt. Well, maybe heart felt until volleyball season is over and detention doesn't interfere with her practice. We'll see. I hope I am pleasantly surprized.