Post 2 "Idea"

As I sat in my rocking chair trying to get my little Olivia asleep I started thinking about the day.  I had an idea as to what I could do for my 5th and 6th hour study hall to make the time more productive and provide more structure for those who succeed better in a structured environment.  I came up with a list of things that I want accomplished during each study hall and then envisioned myself doing these things along with a new look for my room.  

5th hour study hall is in a different room which makes the transition a little bit harder.  There are no computers in the room nor are there things that we are able to use (markers, scissors, rulers, etc.).  The room arrangement is fine and works well for us, it's more of the time management and flow of the hour that I would like to change.  Right now the kids come in and sit down, take out planners, and get to work.  I feel like I am bopping around the room helping kids with random assignments and constantly telling the kids that they may not leave the room to get anything and they are not able to use the restroom.  It is the hour right after lunch so they have a few extra passing minutes which leaves them no excuse to leave their supplies in their locker.  

6th hour is pretty much the same however, I do have my big assignment board so the kids can copy what I have for each class right into their planner if needed.  The group in 6th hour is kind of a chatty and naughty bunch so behavior control is somewhat of an issue.  

So this was my idea.....

Each hour (English, 5th hour study hall and 6th hour study hall) will have a poster with specific rules/expectations for the class.  We have them up but they are general rules.  We need specific ones for each class.  I will also have copies for the kids so we can go through them together and will have extras if we need reminders later on.  I also need some sort of a flow for each hour.  I want to do the same thing day in and day out.  This has been something that I have thought about each year and can never seem to figure it out and this is why...First, the kids in study hall are always working on something different so when I tell them that we are going to review for the math test I get nothing but whining and complaining because they want to work on their own thing.  I end up studying with myself.  Also, in the past I have worked across two teams so it is nearly impossible to study for a class as a group because I have no groups!  Secondly, I now teach English with another person so we need to find time (another issue) to sit down and figure out our plan for the semester.  We have one but it needs revision due to scheduling mess at the beginning of the year.  So yes, I need a daily or weekly plan for each study hall and class.  I wonder if this is doable.....

I also need some sort of a chart where I can mark off what students need to finish assignments and for what class as well as outcomes.  I just feel like I have ten thousand things going on and I don't know how to organize it in my head or on paper.  I seem to just do better with running around like a crazy person trying to keep things under control.  hmmmm.....maybe someone will have some ideas for me.  

As of now this is my homework for Saturday.  Wish me luck that I come up with something cool that actually works!!!