We're back in action...

... So up until this morning, I was dreading going back to school. Back to lesson planning, mean/indifferent/apathetic students, crazy amounts of work, etc. On the ride to school, though, I found myself excited to see my students; I actually missed a lot of them! :)

First period went off without a hitch. The kids (in their new seating arrangements) were quiet, friendly, and seemed relieved back to be at school. It was nice. Second period, however, was a different story...

Second period, I think, is my own personal Hell. The kids were absolutely 100% ridiculous. It was almost unreal. They were talking and mean and just completely annoying. It was the one time all day I raised my voice (though I still didn't yell!). Today was simple: review for bellwork, pre-test for the new quarter, quick discussion. That's it. Three things to get through. Not with second. Oh, no. It was like they were gremlins exposed to water. Oy.

I also re-vamped part of my discipline policy. After reading part of a new book, I have chosen to write the names of students who disrupt the class repeatedly. I put these names on a specific part of the board. If a student has his/her name, s/he has to stay after class and sit silently until I dismiss him/her. The students generally seemed to understand and respect the concept, and I had no problems with cooperation today.

Except second period.

So the breakdown of names on the board for each class:

1st period: None
2nd: SEVEN
3rd: None
4th: One
5th: Three
7th: Two

Yeah. SEVEN names. It was an absolute nightmare. I had to keep taking deep breaths so I didn't scream or burst out crying. The pre-tests, which were supposed to be done in silence, were not done silently. Far from it! Oy. The kids were being so ridiculous, I wondered if I was even really present. It was an out-of-body experience. I tried to play observer of the situation (and not a participant), and it was just a mess. I ignored as much as I could. Really. I quieted the small fires when I could. But I kept thinking to myself, "This is the seventh circle of Hell, specifically for me. Every time I did something wrong in my life, this is my punishment. Every time I lied or hurt someone... I'm paying for it now. In this class."

THANK GOD each class is only 50 minutes! THANK GOD I don't just teach one class anymore. THANK GOD 10:29am eventually rolled around, signifying the end of 2nd period.

My plan? To shake it off and try again tomorrow. I don't know why that class doesn't take me seriously. It's like they want to see how much they can annoy me. I'm not sure if I should come down on them hard, or brush it off, or what. They are truly the Class From Hell, and I'm not sure what to do. If each of my classes were like that, I'd quit in a hearbeat. Luckily, all my other classes are reasonable and good overall.

Phew. Time to lesson plan, grade some stuff, organize, then go cheer on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl!! Cheers.