You see, I started a new rotation at school on Monday, which means that I have a whole new batch of kids until next week Friday. This is my second time through the full rotation and I realized today that the first few days of a new rotation are not very kind to my energy levels or the potential success of my lessons. Despite the joyful greetings and generous hugs that I receive upon welcoming my students into my room after not seeing them for a month, there is a large adjustment period for me and the kids as we remember how to act appropriately towards one another.
I have learned that one of my weaknesses as a teacher is classroom management. This is not necessarily because I lack boundaries or authority, rather it is mostly due to the pressing need for every class to be managed differently. My head is swimming with information as I interact, teach, and redirect each different student at any given time. Information is constantly sloshing out as new information is simultaneously added to the title wave of facts, observations and strategies that are already crashing around. I have an abundance of information to keep track of in regards to scheduling alone, let alone classroom dynamics and teaching goals! But, the sweet spot among all of that chaos is having a student who is naughty for every teacher expect you, walk up to you and with shy eyes hand you this crumpled note:
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