lunch of speed

i need to get in the habit of posting after things go well, not just when they go like they did this afternoon.

i will start with yesterday.

yesterday was a refreshing day of actual teaching. monday had been a little rough, but definitely better than last week. on tuesday we were able to read as a group, review, work in partners, and they were able to show they had progressed in their comprehension and in their ability to retain details when reading. we even survived a surprise attack from the superintendent's office. even in the afternoon, they did very well. going over homework and sharing answers. overall, a great day.

today. hmm. this morning wasn't exactly smooth, but we did a very nice job of reviewing and played a modified jeopardy game for our test tomorrow.

the afternoon. wow. seriously, it was like they served speed and acid to the kids for lunch, with a few shots of jack to wash it down.

often, i think the reason for behavior meltdowns is because of what i have planned, that it is not engaging or that it isn't well suited for their iep's and such. today, all bets were off.

for now, i am not going to focus on how to avoid this disaster zone, but to be better prepared to diffuse it and maybe turn it into just an anti-tank mine instead of the a-bomb that was dropped.

there is the chance to isolate the few students that are the catalysts. but that doesn't really work because there are 3-4 main protagonists and without a para, no place to put them. the old "work silently because you're in trouble" is not a possibility either because there is no real consequence if they talk. maybe by listing everything i can't do, i will rule everything out.

i am very flustered right now. i know my students well enough to know they like me. i have no problem being the discplinarian and the teacher. however, going to the principal has become a priviledge to the kids because she allows them to walk around and "help" her with things, rather than enforce any sort of consequences. they also frequently get to go see the counselor during these times, which is just a free block to play. therefore, being sent out of the room is usually more of a joyride than anything else. (of course, for the students' who have parents who actually care, it isn't fun. but they very, very rarely ever need to be sent out.)

fuck.

i would like to revisit this, hopefully later tonight and just get more off my chest and perhaps be a little more constructive in approach for next time.