So, my last period of the day is an absolute terror. I have a group of 7 students that think everything is a joke. They giggle and talk constantly about everything behind my back. I literally cannot teach because the moment I do, the sneaky behavior starts. Even when I separate them from each other, they will communicate from across the room by making faces and hand gestures. I have pretty much resorted to silent independent work. However, the last couple of days have been pleasant because a few of said students were suspended. Unfortunately, they all came back yesterday. Once again, I was trying to teach and this particular group of students started fooling around. So, I stopped teaching and made all the kids get out a blank sheet of paper. My instructions to the students were to write an anonymous letter to a troublemaker of their choice and express their frustrations. I didnt name any names; I told the students they all knew who they were. The letter had to be a page minimum, and it was for homework if they didnt finish it by the end of the period. I collected the letters today, and dang, the truth in these letters is harsh! One particular student wrote, Do you want to go to jail? If you dont focus on your education, I could see you ending up there. You were just suspended for 4 days! What will it take for you to care? School is not a joke. If you dont like being here, then dont come. Some of us, like me, want to learn. You are ruining it for us. Im planning on holding these students after class tomorrow to talk with them and show them some of the things their classmates have said about them. The letters are anonymous, so they wont know who said what. Im hoping by sharing the letters, something will finally click with them. I have a feeling theyll care more what their peers have to say than what I do... It is middle school, after all - its all about fitting in. I really hope something changes soon. I cant stand doing silent work all the time. I feel horrible for all the good kids that want to learn. I hate being the mean teacher all the time. Its only the 3rd week of school, and my patience is running thin. Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday.
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:42:03 +0000