Oh, and I gave the kids assigned seats today but said if they had a real problem they could write me a note and I would consider moving them. One of the notes says, "I don't fill rit here let me move". Move where? Who knows. As it happens, it's exactly the seat she was in yesterday.

ETA: While another one has a well-written request with reasons, signed "Sincerely" with her name, and has a stamp drawn on the front with the word "Persanol" written on it. Too cute.

Oh dear. Just realized I have two people complaining about sitting next to the same guy because he talks too much. Guess I need to be concentrating on him.

Just the sinking sensation that I wasn't giving consequences consistently, that I was letting them get away with stuff, that... you know.

Oh, I know that feeling! The 2nd year is SO much better than the first, believe you me.

I was too easy last year. I lost my temper a lot. I yelled, a lot.

Tomorrow, try to explain your procedures. For EVERYTHING. I have a powerpoint I can email you that you can attack and tweak, if you wish.

Problem is, I don't really have procedures yet. I'm willing, I'm just not sure what they should be. Feels like I keep stuffing things in my head, and they don't stick. Email away! Thank you!

Oh, and assigned seats in classes with more than 10 seats? In general, a must. If they complain, pretend they have moved you, and say "Ok...LEt's compromise. We'll have the seats till the end of quarter. Then, if your behavior has been good, we'll revisit non-assigned seats. So, if you earn them, you'll get them. Sound fair?"

If they say no, not fair, then be all "Well, you have two choices. Assigned seats all year...or we'll check in at quarter. You guys can choose."

They'll choose quarter. Give 'em choices...but choices YOU control.

It WILL get easier.

Neither did I. You'll need to align them with your school's disciple policies.

Insent, to profile addy.

I gave a couple of detentions that the kids didn't show up to, which tells me I need to give them detention cards or something. It's too easy for them to forget (and I know that because it's so easy for me to forget -- one kid showed up after school today and I couldn't for the life of me remember what he'd done

I write the kids name and the date on the board. They have three days to show up for their detention. If not, they get a referral on the 4th day.

I am going to bed now, since I got three whole hours of sleep last night. Email me with any questions, Em, or just to gripe.

You WILL be ok. You're bigger, meaner and have better hair!

You're bigger, meaner and have better hair!

We'll smite the snarly mean kids for you. Or just cheer you up. Perhaps with chocolate or porn. The cheering, the kids don't get treats until they stop being frustrating.

Cass - what are you doing here? Are you passing on zee wheeee? You are missing out.

(Emily) I'm sure it will improve. The first week can be so hard - I'm filled with anxiety jitters about it, and I've had much longer to prepare for my situation than you've had. I've at least had time to think out some of my routines.