Marcus

  SEEING MARCUS

    In the classroom Marcus's teacher understands that he has a difficult time staying attentive. She gives him the space he needs. When he walks away from a lesson she does not yell at him or get frustrates him but instead gives him support when he is ready to come back. She has spaces for children where they can take breaks when they do not want to be part of the lesson like a break desk and a buddy room. 

    Marcus tends to have a hard time staying engaged and focused. His teacher gives him one on one attention when time allows for it and he is ready to receive it. This one on one time helps Marcus stay focused on the task in front of him. 

    During a counseling session with Marcus and his mom his mom expresses her feelings of Marcus not being involved enough and the difference between him at home and in school. His mom makes it clear that he is loved and supported at home and may not be getting that same support at school. Marcus's mom was willing to take any help and tips she could get to support her son even more. 

Marcus's teacher understands that he wants and enjoys being heard. To encourage him to be heard and use his voice to participate she offers students the opportunity to read a poster to the class. When Marcus raised his hand to read the poster she of course chose him and helped him read through the poster. By doing this she was seeing Marcus and what he needed at that time and helping him get what he needed in a positive way. 

    The narrator talks about making sure Marcus knows you are proud of him. Positive reinforcement  is so important for younger children. Reinforcing that they make you proud when they behave nicely and show they are trying encourages them to keep doing well. If a child is only ever yelled at the child will then begin looking for any form of attention including negative attention.