Duct tape

[HomeOnTheRanch]

I can't say that this hasn't crossed my mind once or twice, but I've never done it. Would you ever find occasion to do it (with your own child)?
Teacher duct-tapes student (http://www.local6.com/news/15287294/detail.html)
Do you think the teacher's punishment was fair?

[Remudamom]

I remember threatening to duct tape two of mine to each other when they wouldn't stop bickering. I did make them hold hands until they stopped fighting and started laughing, but I can't remember if I actually taped their hands together or not.

[HomeOnTheRanch]

Oh, yes, I've attached two of mine together at the belt loops with a 3 ft. piece of baling twine until they stopped bickering, but I haven't used the duct tape yet.

[Tia in Wa]

I used plastic handcuffs from their dress up stuff. It didn't take long. Now they think it is fun and do it themselves.:D

[dirty ethel rackham]

I once jokingly threatened to tape closed some mouths. I was teaching a religion class to eight 4th grade students. They were particularly talkative that day and I couldn't get them to listen to the instructions for a project. I threatened to tape their mouths shut. This one smart-alecky kid threatened to sue (and he was serious.) I can't say that I missed him when he chose another teacher the next year.

[CalicoKat]

when they like to start taking them off and the poop lands on the floor for the dog to dine on, or as a landmine to step into when you're busy running through the house chasing said naked baby. . . . :eek:

[K&Rs Mom]

Fair? Probably. Wise? No. :)

I can't say I haven't been tempted. If I actually knew where the duct tape was, it may have happened by now. Considering my 5yo falls out of her chair at least 3x a day, I prefer to let gravity be it's own consequence.

In my younger days, though, I have duct taped someone to a tree, duct taped someone else into bed, and know of yet a third party duct taped to a wall (off the floor - quite an accomplishment).

[TCoppock]

When I was in school we had a teacher who made disruptive students hold two large dictionaries, one in each hand, for the remainder of the class. MY older brother had a a teacher that would make disruptive students sit under her desk. Her reasoning was if she sent the out of class then they wouldnt hear the lesson. During my years in both public and private schools we endured a variety of punishments that today would not be tolerated. Maybe if teachers were able to discipline their students there would be less misbehavior. I feel sorry for what teachers today must endure.

[TCoppock]

I forgot to add that yes I have threatened many time to tape my sons mouth shut if he doesn't stop talking or tape him to his seat if he continues getting up. I haven't yet but if he pushes me I just might. lol ;)

[Unicorn]

Would I ever find occasion to do it to my own children?
Yes!! On a daily basis! Have I? NO. But I would if I thought I could get away with it. :D

TCoppock is right-there is no accountability in schools anymore and the kids know it. Nothing can be done to them-nothing. :( :mad: So why should they obey the rules when there is no punishment? Just another reason we homeschool.

[Peek a Boo]

who reported the incident?
was the student upset?

yes, i think the punishment was too severe IF there was no problem at the time. I think she wrote up her report very well --"breaking the lines of formality" is about all I'd admit to or punish a colleague for-- and even THAT needs to be nudged down when you're dealing with kids-- esp middle school kids.

FTR, i have never duct taped a kid as a punishment. We did enter a duct tape competition where the students had 90 seconds to duct tape a team mate to the wall --off the ground. That took us a while to figure out. I can now say that one of my skills as a mom is duct taping my kid to the wall in 90 seconds --and he'll stay there for over half an hour :-)

But would I in a jestful situation where the kid is not being threatened or struggling? you betcha.

[Old Dominion Heather]

Here is why.

They go OVER AND OVER this stuff during teacher training. Never touch a student, never place your hand on a student fingers first, so you don't poke them or scratch them, NEVER TAPE THEM DOWN! I remember them drilling it into us 15 years ago. I am sorry, but anybody dumb enough to do something like this (and I am sure she meant no harm, but it was still idiotic) should not be teaching.

[Cadam]

It was poor decision just knowing the political climate in todays schools. I think it is strange that they are sending her to counseling. For what - lacking in wisdom? Since my 6 yo can't for more than 5 seconds at a time, sure duct tape is appealing but I have never actually done it and no way would I do it in a classroom setting. To bad the administration made such a big deal out of it or the students might have remembered the object lesson and learned something. It just isn't an appropriate thing but I don't think she is evil or had any ill will. Neither do I think the child was damaged in any way.

[Tracey in TX]

If the student, teacher, and students were indeed laughing, the punishment was too harsh. If the student felt threatened, then an apology and suspension are fair.

When teaching private school, I used to 'threaten' my kids with hanging braids to fan and press "high" speed. Lots of giggles and it got them refocused. (Boys especially liked this as their hair was mostly buzz cut :))

Know the audience before taking sarcastic humor to the next level.