Jacob was a happy little boy who lived with his family across the street from Castle School. He loved his teacher, Miss Williams. She was his favorite teacher. Of course, each year his new teacher was his new favorite! Jacob loved school, liked to read, and always made good grades. During recess, he and his friends loved shooting hoops on the playground. He was just a great kid. Everyone loved Jacob. 1
But Jacob had a secret! Actually, it wasn’t much of a secret to those who knew him well. You see, sometimes Jacob got mad. And when he did, he would just…
Jacob was an expert at throwing a fit, flailing his arms, stomping his feet, and yelling not-so-nice things. Whenever Jacob got mad, he would kick or hit whoever or whatever was nearby. He would say hurtful things to the people he cared for the most. It was just awful.
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Sometimes Jacob got mad at school. Sometimes, Jacob got mad at home. Sometimes, Jacob even got mad when he was fishing with his dad, which was one of his favorite things to do. Whenever Jacob got mad, everyone got sad. Even Jacob. He didn’t like to get mad. He just didn’t know how to stop. His friends would scatter. They didn’t want to be kicked or hit, and they didn’t like it when Jacob yelled at them. His parents tried to help Jacob. His teacher tried to help, too. His friends even tried, but no one could make Jacob stop. Nothing worked. Not even the consequences he faced after he exploded. Jacob would always calm down after a little while, and he’d become that happy little boy that everyone loved, again. Until the next time!
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One day, Jacob got upset in his classroom. Nobody knew what happened, but all his friends knew Jacob was about to…
He kicked Katie’s chair over, knocked some books onto the floor, and yelled at his best friend, Sam, before sitting down in the middle of the floor with a scowl on his face. Everyone scattered. Everyone except Miss Williams, who was quickly by Jacob’s side. With a very calm voice, she said, “Jacob, are you a little out of control?” Jacob shouted.
‘‘NO!’’ Miss Williams firmly took Jacob’s hand in hers and said, “Let’s walk to the office where you can be safe and calm down.”
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Jacob stomped his feet as they walked down the long hallway to the principal’s office then plopped down into the big, red, over-stuffed chair where he’d sat so many times before.
Plop! As he listened to the clock on the wall, Jacob thought about what just happened. Why do I get so mad, Jacob wondered.
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. He was still mad, but now he was embarrassed. He couldn’t remember what made him mad, but he sure felt it inside. Those clues. He knew what they meant. He was about to...
And, he did. Now he sat in the big, red chair. Again.
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Jacob is a much-loved little boy with a big secret - when things don't go his way, he loses control. Once he's headed down that road to explode, there's no stopping him. He doesn't like to get mad, but can't stop himself. After many visits to the principal's office, an unlikely bond is formed between Jacob and the principal of Castle School. Mr. Burkhizer seems to understand and teaches Jacob about detours for strong-willed children. With some practice, Jacob's outbursts cease, and the detours ultimately change his life. But how does this first-year principal know so much about anger and detours? On the last day of school, Jacob discovers his principal has a secret, too - and NOW, it all makes sense! He's once again the happy little boy everyone loves.
An award-winning writer, blogger, speaker, and columnist, ELAINE McALLISTER and her husband live in Central Kansas near their grown children and five simply amazing grandchildren. When not enjoying time with family and friends, she loves to garden, travel, and lead Bible studies. You may follow her at www.elainemcallister.com or contact her at bffgramma@gmail.com.