I sort of had to manage behavior in my classroom today, and it was so much fun.
I had a group of seven in my 4th period. One is a jokester; he wanted to know the penalty for not reading the required chapters for his book group meeting.
“Perhaps jail time?” I responded.
“I’m going to need that in writing. Show me where that’s written,” he quipped.
Another student had a difficult time refraining from answering every question I asked, whether or not I called on him, and even when I said, “Let’s hear from someone at home.”
Another student’s fingers were working way too busily on his iPad to be simply advancing the pages of his ebook.
When a group of four of my in-person kids were tasked with deciding who would lead their next book discussion, they decided to flip a composition book multiple times in the space between their desks. I’m not sure what constituted heads or tails, especially with four possible outcomes, but it seemed to work for them. In normal times, I would’ve asked them to refrain, but I was so happy to see normal kid behavior that I let them proceed.
As all of this played out, a kid at home asked if he could be excused because his cat threw up. So much going on – so simply wonderful.
It’s refreshing to spar with children again, where we can see each other’s faces (partially) and read body language. I assume the thrill will wear off, but I’m really enjoying myself for the time being.
My Corner of the Village 