What time is lunch?

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.