Another tough one, I’m really having some challenges with the classroom dynamic. I did not have these troubles the previous two years in fifth grade. Quite honestly, I thought second grade would be different, a bit easier, to some extend, at least with regard to classroom management. Today, we had I think three different meetings about the problem. I moved the desks from tables into rows. I went from group work, to partner work, to individual seat work, and there were still disruptions. It’s a toxic environment and I’m not quite sure what’s happening. I had a seven year-old look me in the eye, say, “Quit your job,” then another kid farted immediately thereafter. Seriously.
It would almost be prudent to temporarily abandon hope of holding language arts and math until we can learn something about ourselves. I said to the students over and over again that I will not yell, get frustrated, or teach through disrespect and disruption. At one point, 45 minutes prior to the end of our day, I stopped, turned off the lights, asked that they put their heads down, and that’s how we sat. Look, I’m being honest here.
That’s been my fourth day.
Read this one the other day, and honestly had to laugh a little. As a first grade teacher, I totally feel your pain. There are those beginning moments when everyone is feeling each other out that are maddening. I taught fifth grade for two years of my 26 years, and I thought that THEY were going to be the death of me. We all have our strengths and bless you for your time spent with Middle Schoolers. Hang in there Chalkface – as I tell my colleagues who change grade levels, you’re a good teacher, and you will adjust.
Just leave the duct tape and masking tape at home!
Good advice. Well, now that the power’s out in the school, we may not have it this entire week! Crazy!
Crazy indeed! Just happy to know that you came through it mostly unscathed (except for the lack of power in the maddening DC/MD heat).
Rhee would have committed five felonies by now.
Omigod, that’s funny. Glad you’re on board.