Latest News from the Middle School

This has been a very interesting week in the jh. I have had the hardest time with my 2 Pre Ap classes. So, during our team time I discussed this with the other teachers. The science teacher said I should do what he does. He usually starts this at the beginning of the year but I figured it was worth a try. I started by just watching the students and waiting til they stopped talking, which took about 10 mins. I then ( in my best southern drawl) I told them I needed to apoligize to them because I did not explain to them what my expectations were and I then preceeded to tell what they were. My expectations is for them to be in their seats , be quiet, and wait for instructions. I then told them we needed to practice how we should enter a classroom. They all got up and walked out the door into the hallway. As each one passed by me to enter the room I said to them: "go in, sit it, be quiet, and wait for instructions". Imagine doing that for 35 kids and having to practice this about 3-4xs. If one person laughed or made a comment after entering the room, I stopped and made the whole class do it again. It took about 3-4xs then they started turning on each other. Which was quite funny! I have proceeded to do this with my other AP class and my regular classes. They are still learning and we are still practicing but it is getting better. I am bound and determined to get this classroom managment under control. I think my 3rd period did have the record of 6xs today before they got it. I thought this sounded funny and wasn't sure it would work. But it does and behavior is getting better.