Week 7 Reflection

Generally, I feel that I have a strong rapport with the fifth graders I work with. I treat them with respect, and this respect is returned. I use real-life examples with which the students can identify and talk to them about their interests and even express some of mine so that they can get to know me a little better as well. Overall,I feel that a positive atmosphere is maintained when I am in charge of the class. However, there are times when the students seem excessively chatty and I cannot seem to get them to calm down. Additionally, there are a few students across the grade who demonstrate an attitude that it is "their way or no way" so to say. For example, just the other day when my liaison was in to observe me teaching, there was a confrontation between two students who were working in the same group. While I handled the situation in a calm and understanding matter and asked the boy who had upset one of his female peers to the point that she was crying and not participating in the group, I feel that I failed in the situation because, when I asked the young lady to return to the group--even if I sat with her--she refused to do so. I later just asked her to return to her seat and sit quietly and work on other assignments during this time since I could no longer neglect the other groups and the progress that they were making. I guess my question is this: was there any other alternative I could have used to handle the situation besides removing the student from the setting? Furthermore, how much control do I give my students until it is time for me to step in and assume the "teacher role?"