kids who have shut down!

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kids who have shut down!
By Carolyn

The majority of my students have shut down already, although we still have a half of a marking period to go yet. We have state testing next week, and although I have emphasized the importance of preparation and finishing
up any math we need to for the year, they were very chatty during math today. They just refuse to be quiet and get started with their work. I stop teaching, look around the room at all of the kids to spot where the voices are coming from, and everybody gets quiet. Then when I start up again, so do they! I have had to resort to being the meanie I was at the beginning of the year. I

don't smile at them. I insist in a very firm way that they pay attention and do their work. Some of mine are just sitting at their seat as if they have nothing better to do. I tell them that if the work isn't finished during class, then they may join my colleague for recess detention and complete it. It's a battle every day. I do tell the kids that school is in session for the ENTIRE day, not just for an hour or however long they want it to be. We really have to be tough and structured this time of year.