As always I am torn between laughing and letting kids be themselves and needing to maintain order.
Today I had a group of junior high boys in a mixed up seating chart. I knew something was off, but the seat numbers and names were all jumbled so it took me a while to decipher the chart.
Finally it took me warning that their real teacher, who was in a meeting, would be back soon so if they weren’t seated where they belong to move ASAP. This got their attention and they returned to their assigned spaces.
I get it. I didn’t care about busy work when I was 12. I also didn’t like coming to school. And having to ask permission to leave the classroom to use the bathroom, or get a drink. It’s not a fun time.
But they also can’t be allowed to disrupt the entire class with their antics, and as I have learned with my nephews, when boys get together and start to wrestle things can very quickly get out of hand.
If it were up to me kids would learn basic math and reading and then they would be set free to follow their interests. (sports, the arts, etc…) They would be engaged in things that require them to create with their hands and there would be a life skills class that teaches about taxes, starting a business, keeping track of finances, and some basic hygiene/home ec things.
Unfortunately, I am not in charge. Everyone is just trying to survive and… I guess they’re succeeding?
Redheaded Jill 
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