It
is pretty common knowledge that classes around lunchtime are some of the most
difficult. Hungry students are focused on their stomachs and full students tend
to get tired. I am lucky enough to face the first scenario. My students come
into class and the first things I hear are exclamations about the severity of their
hunger and queries as to when lunch will begin. It can be hard to grab the
attention of hungry teenagers who are focused on food and a few minutes of
freedom that accompany an open lunch.
I
do not mind trying to corral the attention of rambunctious teenagers. I
completely understand that there are very important things going on, but I do
not understand how they still require my CT and I to continually remind them of daily and weekly routines. There is bell work every day and on Mondays
they are given a new power word. They know where the word is posted and that
the definition is under it, but we still have to point it out. They know they
have to write the word, the definition, and a sentence that shows they know how
to use it. A few come in and go right to work, but the majority have to be told
to do their bell work, and it never fails that a number of them will have to be
reminded to write the sentence. There is a similar scene on the last day of the
week when they get the news that all three bell work assignments are due.
My
CT is very patient with the kids and there are times where she repeats herself
several times in a row. I have seen the agitation build in her at times and I
have heard her raise her voice, but today was something different. The kids
were exceptionally energetic, inattentive, and loud, and they finally pushed
things too far. After Ms. D let lose, it was so quite that I could hear the
cold air blowing from the vents.
After
class, she apologized to me for losing her cool, but I saw nothing wrong with
it. I told her that I have had to keep myself from doing similar on a few occasions
and I didn’t understand how she hadn't before today. She has a softer hand that
usually handles things quite adequately. I just think that the teacher should
never have to fight for attention. I raise my hand and expect it because I am
in charge. When the students ignore my CT, it irritates me and I feel the need
to assist her, but I don’t want to undercut her authority. I also realize that
it is just a difference in personality and that everybody has their
own approach.
And now, a poem about bell work
Before the bell rings,
I remind them
There is bell work
There is
Always bell work
To be done
Before
Or directly after
Class has begun
And I find myself,
Again,
Pointing at the power word,
Pointing at the board,
And reading the definition
To the handful
Who actually listen
The bell rings;
I remind them
There is bell work
And Ms. D, my CT,
After locking the door,
Tells them
To begin
Their bell work,
And one of them
Acts surprised
By the bell work.
There is always bell work.
And today is Monday,
Which means
A new power word,
A new definition,
And a complete sentence
Conveying comprehension.
And Ms. D will explain
And I will explain
What must be done again
Because,
Somebody always
Goes to the bathroom or
Gets a drink of water
Just before the bell
Because,
Somebody always
Doesn't hear
Or
Doesn't listen
We will
Repeat
The word
Repeat
The definition
Until they all have it down
Or
Move to where they can read it
And no longer require our recitation
We will
Walk around the room,
Compliment a complex sentence,
Confirm correct usage,
And question syntax errors,
Spelling mistakes,
And the lack of commas
We will
Wake the sleeping,
Rein in the attention
Of the wistful,
The jabbering romantic,
And the gamer
Who incessantly speaks of
GTA 5
It's Monday
5th hour
And
There is bell work.
