Classroom Scenarios
Multiple Students Needing Attention All At Once:
Several students raise their hands, others are off-task, one needs to go to the nurse, and another needs to go to the bathroom—all while you're trying to teach new content.
1. Prioritize safety and health first (send student to the nurse first)
2. Use nonverbal signals (hand gesture for bathroom)
3. Break tasks into small steps so the class can continue working independently
Parents Who Under-Communicate:
Some parents never check emails, ignore missing work notices, and don’t attend meetings—then later complain that they were “never told.”
1. Use multiple channels: email, phone, printed notes.
2. Document all attempts to contact.
3. Keep messages short and clear.
4. Involve counselors or administrators if the non-response impacts your student's learning.
What Is??
This Netflix series about the 1980s and the "Upside Down" became a cultural phenomenon.
Stranger Things
A Student Refuses To Do Work:
Your student shuts down, ignores instructions, or refuses to do work. This creates tension and requires you to manage the issue without disrupting the rest of the class.
1. Give choices, not ultimatums (“You can start with question 1 or 3.”).
2. Offer a quiet alternative space or a short break.
3. Check for underlying issues—misunderstanding, frustration, emotional triggers.
4. Follow up privately later.
Parents Who Defend Every Negative Behavior:
A child repeatedly disrupts class, but when you contact home, the parent insists the child is not at fault or blames classmates.
1. Present clear, factual, observable behaviors (“He threw a pencil across the room”).
2. Avoid labeling the child—focus on actions.
3. Share support strategies, not punishment.
4. Emphasize collaboration: “Let’s work as a team to help him succeed.”
What Is??
This animated-reality game had people wandering outside to capture virtual creatures in 2016.
Pokemon Go
Covering Another Teacher's Class Last Minute:
You are told last-minute to cover a colleague’s class during your planning period, leaving no prep time for grading or tomorrow’s lessons for your own students.
Keep it simple with the class you're covering; silent reading, independent work, review activities.
For your class, use premade emergency activities or do a review game of the last class lesson.
A Parent Shows Up Unannounced or Sends an Upset Email Mid-Class:
A parent demands immediate attention or sends a strongly worded message that you see during a brief break, raising stress while still needing to teach the next class.
1. Avoid responding emotionally or immediately.
2. Send a quick, neutral message: “I’ll respond after class.”
3. If they appear in person, politely ask them to schedule a meeting through the office.
4. Document all communication!
On Wednesdays we don't wear sweatpants, we wear the color???
Pink duh
Technology Fail:
You planned a lesson around a projector, online tool, or video, only to have the Wi-Fi stop working or your computer had a malfunction in front of a full class.
1. Have a backup plan (whiteboard version, printed activity, discussion).
2. Pivot quickly—students respond to confidence.
3. Turn it into a teachable moment about flexibility.
Parents Who Compare Teachers:
“I never had this problem with last year’s teacher.”
Parents may say this when frustrated, creating tension and undermining the teacher’s authority.
1. Redirect politely: “I respect your experience with last year’s teacher. Here’s how I approach things…”
2. Focus on current goals: “What can we do to support your child now?”
3. Avoid criticizing other staff.
What Movie??
Two stepbrothers accidentally start a battle of chaos after one touched the other's drum set.
Stepbrothers
A Student Discloses Something Serious:
Mid-lesson, your student privately reveals concerning personal information that you must report while continuing to manage the class.
1. Stay supportive and thank them for trusting you.
2. Follow mandatory reporting procedures immediately.
3. Do NOT promise confidentiality!!!!
4. Ensure the student is connected to a counselor or admin team member.
Parents Questioning Teaching Methods:
Some parents challenge instructional approaches, curriculum materials, or teaching style, insisting you should teach things differently.
1. Explain the purpose of the method and the standards behind it.
2. Show how the approach supports learning (examples or student work).
3. Offer alternatives for home practice.
4. Avoid being defensive!
What was the name of book/movie where most middle schools girls fell in love with the characters Ponyboy and SodaPop.
The Outsiders