Writing Feature Articles - Step 1 - Lesson 1 | Page 27

Writing Feature Articles - Lesson a
Writing Feature Articles - Handout .. a

Beginner

Name: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________

. a: Feature Articles Packet

(page of

)

Special to the Tribune.

It’s the last class of the day, and Keith G. is ready to go home. But when the bell rings, he’s stuck in his
seat because of his classmates.
“They will scream and make noise. They will talk when they aren’t supposed to, and talk across the
room,” says Keith, 15, of Chicago.
The entire class regularly must stay after school. Keith says it’s unfair and irritating. Other kids also have
to deal with annoying classmates.
“In every school, there is going to be somebody that just bugs you,” says Emma F., 12, of Chicago. “All
kids just have to deal with that.”
Need ideas on how to handle problem peers? Here’s how to cope with classmates and their aggravating
habits.
The Tattletale
This irritating type has something in common with the class bully: Both try to overpower other kids, says
Toni Tollerud, professor of counseling at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
“If someone is getting me in trouble, I consider that a bullying behavior, ”she says. “You’re asserting a
power over me and getting me in trouble when I’m not necessarily responsible.”
Kids may want to get an adult involved if they are dealing with a tattletale. Emma says most con?icts
can be handled between kids. But when the situation borders on bullying, it’s not snitching if you ask a
teacher or parent to help.
The Know-It-All
I know! I know! Call on me!
School is easy for some kids, and usually they like everyone to know it.That can get old really fast.
Just don’t let it get to you, suggests Emma.
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