We have seven periods in our school day. 7th period on Fridays wraps up our week which can make it one of the most difficult periods for me to focus through - especially when I have 7th graders! As much as I love teaching middle school, 7th period on Friday is a lot to ask. For me and for them. So I'll be honest, I began to dread 7th period on Fridays.
But today was different. After a couple of conversations with other teachers, I had resolved to better address inappropriate behavior in general, but specifically with this class of 7th graders. Today, I announced at the beginning of class that each student had 20 participation points; I explained that any occasion when I had to get on to them, whether for talking out of turn or being off task, they would lose a point. Immediately, one student started arguing with me and I told him that he lost a point. And repeat previous sentence, haha. This student (although wrong) set the tone for how serious I was. Most students quickly took note and adjusted their usual behavior.
I loved this system! Because I had decided on a clear plan before class, I was more attentive to little issues that arose. I was also more willing to be firm because it was easier for me to be fair with every student. I made it clear when it was an appropriate time for students talk and when it was not. And you know what? We had a great day!
I don't plan to use this particular plan every day, but I do plan to be more firm. I want to make expectations clear and then hold my students to that. They deserve it (and so do I).
So i just found this post and relate so much to the sentiment here. I am such a pushover sometimes but find myself becoming a more firm teacher using strategies like these. The amazing thing to me about when I do is that not only do I make it though so much better, but my students are happier on these days with how things go. It is not always easy but so worth it. :)
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