So, my talk wasn’t really so much of a talk as I’ve had no voice for the last 7 days, and when I do talk I sound either like a really bad chipmunk or I sound so hoarse like I’ve been yelling for 5 days straight. Instead I enacted on my plan for assigned seats. Since I don’t know the kids names yet, but I know the faces of the troublemakers, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
Today I seated all the children from pre-k up till middle school. The only grades I did not seat were the highschoolers and the 4th and 5th graders. Those kids get on during my second run and they’re usually very well behaved, though with my 4th and 5th graders, they’re inching towards a “Come to Jesus” meeting as well. I had a few of my middle school hooligans elect to walk home instead of sit in an assigned seat. Its going to be a very cold walk home once the weather gets into the mid 50’s during the day. But take solace that the seats will be there, waiting for their wonderful cherub faces to fill them.
I have diagrammed out a game plan, which will be tweaked as I get the names of the kids. Tomorrow, I plan to go to the dollar store and pick up some index cards, a couple rolls of tape, a sharpie, and ask about getting numbers on my seats. Then as they get on I will actually assign them seats. Once I have all their names down on index cards and on a separate sheet of paper designating the seat, I will then do my organization. The index cards will be immediately posted above the seat in which they are to sit. For my very few “good” middle school kids, I will allow them to choose a seat, but then they have to sit in that seat until I change it or until I allow change. My “hooligans” get no choice. I will do the same with my 4th and 5th graders on round 2.
Hosting a Revival!!
The Bus Driver
1 comment:
I am learning so much from you! Had a horrible, horrible day with the MS, and am starting tomorrow having them sit in the front. I don't know all their names yet, either, but recognize the faces of the troublemakers. The bus is very full with MS and HS, so they will sit in the first half of the bus, and HS in rear. I don't know if they will still 'find' each other somehow, though. If that happens will start with specific assigned seats like you are. Looks like 'structure' may be the operative word! I think they are a bit surprised at my decision, they might have thought I was full of empty warnings. One of the kids flipped another busdriver today, isn't that sweet? Your blog helps so much, thanks!
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