On Monday, I started my first day of my brand-new (and full-time, permanent) job. Turns out, the district I was subbing for had a sudden opening, and they were so pleased with my sub work that they hired me for the job. (Which, to be perfectly honest, was exactly what I was hoping would happen when I took the sub job). Because I was taking over for another teacher, I had the unique opportunity to find out exactly how my classes were. Unfortunately, I heard from a lot (and I mean
a lot) of teachers that my new 6th hour was going to be a nightmare. After a less than desirable experience with a certain 5th hour last year, I was worried. I knew that I needed some help in the classroom management department, so I turned to an expert. As the teachers out there know, one of the best people to go to about classroom management is Harry Wong. So I found a copy of his book
The First Days of School, and got to reading. The information in there was AMAZING!!! After going through the book, I was feeling much better about going into the classroom. So I showed up for day one with a firm set of rules and consequences and my best game face on.
And then came 6th hour. And it was so much worse than I expected! I took me an ENTIRE class period to go over 5 rules and 5 consequences. I had to stop every 5 seconds to calmly wait until they stopped talking so I could continue. And it wasn't just the talking. It was a total lack of respect for the teacher. But, I didn't yell, not once (although I did have to stop and take a deep breath a couple of times) and I kept my tone of voice very steady. I simply told them, this is the way it is going to be, and if they didn't like it, here were the consequences. They didn't like it, but when I handed out the first couple of consequences (on the first day!) they seemed to get the message that I (and these rules) were here to stay.
When they left, I screamed. And cried. Even though I had kept my cool, I had to wonder, would it even make any difference?
So it was with trepidation, that I waited for 6th hour on Tuesday. And, miracle of miracles, they came in, got to work, and were completely quiet almost the entire class period. I was shocked. I could not believe this was the same class as yesterday. And although I would have liked to take the credit, I couldn't help but think they were setting me up for something. That they were lulling me into a false sense of security. And then they came in again today. They didn't enter quite as nicely and they wanted to talk instead of work. But when I handed out a second consequence to one of the students, they accepted it and went to work. And worked almost the entire class time. We can only wait and see what tomorrow holds, but I think 6th hr and I are off to a good start.
But wait, that is not even the best part! The best part happened after 6th hour ended. One of my students popped his head back into the classroom and asked,
"Mrs. Nelson, do you make us be quiet because you want us to learn?"
"Yes," I replied. And then he said those two words
every teacher wants to hear.
"Thank you."
Is there any better reward than that? I know my challenges with 6th hour are not over. But I now have a little extra motivation to keep on keepin on.
P.S. Faron came up with the title. Had to give credit where credit is due.
