Teenagers have a hard time of it, whether it’s insecurity, acne, accelerated growth, learning to drive, voice changes or shaving – it’s all new, rapid and needs exploring.
Some students act out by texting in class, hollering at the teacher, cutting class or skulking outside for a smoke. It’s all old and all predictable, as is the punishment, detention.
At Morse High School in Bath, Maine, counselor Leslie Trundy started giving ornery kids a choice – take an hour of detention or take a hike. For an hour. Either way, it goes on your record.
Most kids chose the hike. Then the non-delinquent students joined them. And teachers. Everyone got some fresh air, mental loosening and phoneless exercise.
Parents weren’t so much captivated by this, preferring that the school apply discipline and punishment, not a “reward.”
Oh, come on. Make the rulebreakers carry five items or five pounds of trash or five flower seeds back.
Seems everyone would relax and dislike their predicament less. Is that so crazy?