Planning is key when looking to be successful; it's especially so when you have students as unruly as mine.

Case in point: I got help from a veteran teacher (that is a veteran of the school). Two weeks ago she told me to have a structured class. Frankly, I thought I had one. When I met with her again a week later she showed me the extent of her structure. Aha! Showing kids how to read by modeling and doing everything out loud. Working under the assumption that they don't really understand what they read. I suppose you could say it's all dumbed down, but truthfully, it's where these kids are at so I do need to begin from their point of reference not my own. My trouble has been that I didn't know where to begin. I do now.

Since I have begun following Jan's lead, my classes have calmed down considerably. They suspect that I know what I'm doing now. They are also taking notes and participating in class more fully. So, that's what it takes. Lots of planning. But, it's less exhausting on my end in the long run. I spend a lot of time planning lessons in advance, but I can actually see the value in that.

I wonder if I can ever grab a teachable moment? Spontaneity doesn't seem to be allowed.