This school year, probably more than in the past, I've seen posts on Instagram TikTok, etc about the apathy toward their education that many middle and high school students have.
But I'm seeing that in kindergarten too. One of my students in particular comes to mind. This kid will sit and do absolutely nothing. And not like they're sitting there because they don't understand the work. They're perfectly capable of doing the work. They just don't want to.
Today I called them out because they were playing with their shoelaces while I was teaching math. I looked straight at them and asked if they were done. This child locked eyes with me shook their head no, and continued to play with their shoelaces for 45 more seconds - I timed them.
Then they got upset when we were doing the math task and I explained repeatedly what to do, they did half the work, refused to finish it and I wouldn't let them go outside. Like child, I have told you and shown you this task multiple times. You take it back to your table, you play with pencils, you play with crayons, and you put your head down. No, you are not going outside because you can do this work.
And then I talk to mom and mom says, it's too confusing. My child doesn't understand.
No, your child won't do the work. Because the specific work I showed you today is what all assignments across several days and weeks look like for your child. Your child doesn't give a shit about what I'm doing.
Apathy is such a different beast than learned helplessness. Usually, I can combat that with a lot of pushing and tough love. This apathy, this I have no idea what to do with. I have no idea how to bait the kids who already don't care and they're only 5 or 6. Especially when I don't have support from home.
