I'm Mean, & I Tattle, Too.

I have 20 kids in my reading class. Everyday I try to read one-on-one with 4 or 5 of them. While I am listening to their peers read, the remainder of the class has assignments to complete. They should be busy and productive, but it doesn't always happen. There was a considerable amount of off task behavior in one of my reading quartets today. After a while I grew tired of reprimanding them. Me: Okay, gentlemen, since you've had recess all thorugh reading class, you can come back and finish your work at lunch time. Rico: Yes, Miss. Vincent: Yes, Miss. Richard: Yes, Miss. Kurt: I don't want to. Me: Tough. Kurt: Give me another chance. Me: You've already had six. Kurt: But I want recess. Me: You just had it. Kurt: I'm not coming. Me [shrugging]: I can't make you, but what are you going to say to Mr. F. when he asks why you didn't show up?" Kurt [bugged eyed]: Who's telling him? Me: Me. Kurt [slumping in his seat and mumbling]: Tattler. Me: Did you say something? Kurt [sitting up straight and smiling]: I want to apologize for playing in class. Me: Thank you, I appreciate that. Kurt: Can I go to recess? Me: Nice try. Kurt [slumped in his chair and mumbling again]: Mean tattler.