Monday. Third period.
It was my prep period. And while I had believed that the new teacher was due to start, I had just learned that no, she wasn't getting clearance probably this week. I looked at the room, the little tables of four that I had created for seating as it was an art class, and I couldn't face seventh period in that configuration anymore.
Seventh period was my large class. 35 students. And it was my least mature group. Too many of them had chosen this as play time, and I was sick of fighting them.
So, I decided to rearrange the seating. Not that I had time to rearrange the desks and create a new seating chart (because there was no way I was letting them pick their own seats). But it had to be done. For my sanity.
Changing routines for middle schoolers is not a great idea. And yet, that's what I did. Rather than collecting everything from them, I set up a turn in box. Rather than collecting everything daily, I created a packet thing. And rather than keeping them in tables, I put them in rows.
I needed to make things easier on me.
Did it? Well, it settled the other classes a bit. The classes that weren't really that big an issue. As for seventh period, that's still a work in progress.
I couldn't comment using my iPhone a little earlier but now I can on my computer. Settling the other classes is a win. Appears the problem class will take more strategies but you have an extensive toolbox with your experience. 35 students weren't unusual in the New York City schools I went to. Hopefully the new teacher will really be there next week.
ReplyDeleteI've had larger classes, but at the end of the day and middle school? It's a lot. And the room is just a touch too small for all of them.
DeleteI'm glad you got it set, it was worth the initial work. Good luck with 7th period. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteOh gosh, sometimes teaching sounds so difficult. I'm in awe of you teachers. YOu put up with so much and seem like you do so while remaining in good humor. I guess kids will always be kids.
ReplyDeleteSometimes?
DeleteI’d never want to be a teacher. Especially not in a middle school.
Sometimes it is. And then there are days that aren't quite this rough.
DeleteHey, you gotta do whatever works for you.
ReplyDeleteHandling 35 young ones who want to play when they're supposed to be doing serious things can be quite challenging.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's not even that serious. They're drawing. It's supposed to be fun.
DeleteWhatever it takes to keep your sanity!
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteYes. Make it easy for you. As much time as you spend in a classroom, you deserve for it to be easier for you. I hope the new teacher shows up at some point. Geesh.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't her fault. She's now taken over the class. (I'll talk about that next week.)
Delete