Regrouping By Margaret

Second, go in there on Monday with your head held high. Face your students and explain to them how frustration over their behavior made you say what you did. Tell them how much you love them, but how at that moment you didn't like them at all. Generate a list of reasons why it is dangerous to not line up safely and quietly (someone could get hurt, there could be a fire drill or other emergency, etc.). Tell them how important you feel this is--that it is so important that if they can't line up quietly and in a straight line that they will have to spend time sitting without talking for 5 minutes of recess time. And that everytime anyone says even one word during the sit-out time, another minute will be added to that missed recess time.

Finally, make your class "toe the line" every single time they are in a line. My class must stop at every corner and get in a straight line before I give the signal to move on. Always walk in the middle to the back of the line area and then you'll be able to see any misbehaviors. Students who cannot control themselves in line are invited to straighten up or come and hold my hand. I teach 5th grade and this is a very effective method--no one wants to walk the hallway holding my hand!

And, also, don't be so hard on yourself. As a parent and a teacher I can tell you that these moments will happen. Take a deep breath and learn from it. Your students will take their cue from how you handle this on Monday. Good luck!