My class sizes in order are: 31, 19, 30, 24, 28. In my first class I already have chatters that just WON'T BE QUIET. I've done seat changes, I've done the stern teacher look, I've waited patiently. Today, I think there will be some field trips outside the door (either for a discussion, or maybe I'll just leave them there). In my 3rd class (gee, it happens to be the 2 largest classes) one of the problems is that they all know each other and have had math class with each other forever, AND it's right after lunch and they're hyped up on FDNVs (an acronym I just saw sprinkled all over a memo indicating that Texas will no longer allow the selling of FDNVs for fundraising during school hours .... "foods of diminished nutritional value").
I love my last period class - sweet hard-working slightly-goofy kids. What a nice way to end the day. I also am quietly thankful that 2 of my duty stations are completely hassle-free, and I can get work done while I'm monitoring hallway doors.
In other news, it's starting again/already where someone who has had me before is now in another teacher's math class, and it's just too ________, and it's not _______, and they wish _________ (fill in the blanks). Invariably as the year goes on, they get used to the new teacher and actually like it and all complaining is forgotten, so now I just have to reassure them and mention that they have to get along with and learn how to be successful in a variety of teacher's classes.
Those are some BIG classes. That will be annoying when it comes time to grade tests! I think I'll have some big ones this year too (doesn't help that we have a position still open...)and I'm worried about the same talking issue. I'm going to have to practice my stern teacher look in the mirror for the next week or so....
ReplyDeleteI've had kids talking to an english teacher about how much they really want to have me this year--which is a little scary with class sizes and since I've only taught for one year at this school I'm thinking that they really might not end up liking what they get themselves into. I might be "cool" in terms of knowing what's going on in their lives, but I'm certainly not easy!! Once we get to the part of the syllabus that talks about homework EVERYDAY I wonder what the kids will be thinking!
-KH
I had success on Friday with putting 2 chatters out in the hall for a bit while I went on with my set up with the kids. After a while I talked with them and let them back in. It was quiet (that day!) after that.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the homework. Mine are already making, "homework EVERY day?" noises. Sheesh.
Ms. Cookie
I've already had to take some field trips out in the hall for discussions. As a matter of fact, I had to do that twice yesterday in the same class! Next time they just get to sit in the hall for the rest of class and I'll be calling their mamas that night.
ReplyDeleteRight. They're so goofy. I was thinking it was a full moon or something, but, no. I guess it's just the struggles of a new school year. Sometimes in my fantasy world, they are lacking in sleep and therefore in energy to chat. Hmph.
ReplyDeleteMs. Cookie