Question #2: A Small Success

The other day I did have a small success. My 7th grade homeroom class was busy chatting while I tried to go over a timeline with them on the whiteboard. I stopped what I was saying and said, "If you respect me, please be quite." And they were quiet.

Granted the chatter did pick up again somewhat from time to time, I was happy with this moment. And overall my management has gotten exceedingly better. Various security/office members have commented that I don't call down too often any more.

This is an ever-evolving process - but little things work from time to time. The teacher next door to me is a veteran. When the kids leave her classroom, they seem so restrained and somehow more mature. I know that she was constantly on top of them for the first part of the year and stays on top of them. When you enter her class, the kids are unbelievably quiet. It's as though they've given up being disrespectful and out of line. Watching them it is clear that they know how to do what is right. But they need the constant consistent reminder. I've adopted some good systems for this, but I could use more - and it would be great to have them from the start.

All in all though, I have started to sort of like my job in the past month. I appreciate working with the students more. In early December I would not have said this. So that is a small success.