Most of classroom management is just giving kids enough to do.

[oleolson]

Yesterday I subbed a half day in a SmartLab classroom where we just played with KNex blocks. They showed me the roller coaster they built and I was unspeakably charmed when a boy laid underneth to watch the balls drop down the first hill. Just like I used to do with our Christmas tree

Comments

[maegdaeien]

Yeah, I remember middle school art classes as being a total waste of time. I always had Mrs. Moll and she would just say something like, "Draw a face," and we'd do it for 10 minutes then do whatever we wanted. Good times!

[oleolson]

I'd be ok with the doing nothing as it is Middle School art class, but they wanted to push each other down, talk about "butt rape," and throw art supplies. I left a comment on the online eval saying that they needed more to occupy their time.

It was partially their fault for being obnoxious, but you also can't put 20 13 year-olds in a room, say "be good," and expect it to happen.

[maegdaeien]

Teenagers are pretty much bastards, one and all. I commend you for even attempting to rasslin' match of wills with them.

[oleolson]

Somedays I'd just really like to crack their heads together, but then Dr. Henry's voice wafts around in my head saying, "Kids never do anything without a reason," and it usually helps me regain my patience.