Looking for Answers

My 7th hour class, end of the day, 8th grade with 5 gentleman who are connected at the hips. Playful, smart, sassy, 3 of which are natural leaders, wanting to be together. They gave a first year teacher a hard time and essentially took over the classroom for the semester they had that elective.

Yesterday, one of their friends switched over into art, and I have "A" sitting at a different table - the lone male among 4 Goth females. This is week one of the semester. There has been, in the past, where I allow a group to sit together and they are more creative, happier, and productive, and will do anything to continue sitting together on the same table. In the past this has been a wonderful management tool. I am unsure if this is going to be appropriate for this particular group. I talked to them yesterday (having spoken to other teachers about the different bonds/affinities between the boys) and asked them to rise up and meet the challenge of being supportive of each others' productive success to earn the privilege of staying together at the table.

I think my rationale is always be firm, consistent, and send a clear message that I can anticipate and correct misbehavior early on. I now wonder if I am making them wrong before they even perform, if I am looking out for what's wrong, I will find it. Perhaps what I need to start looking for is what's right and share with them what they are doing that's terrific instead of being so uptight about how they are being disruptive. I moved "L" to the otherside of the table. I think it's a visual reminder that I do mean business, and intend for them to be working along with collaborating.

Today, the group wanted me to move "A" over and join them because he was by himself, and I asked them if one of them wanted to go and sit with him and keep him company. "I" offered (the major kingpin of the table) and I immediately said "yes." What a huge relief. I question myself - am I being too cautious? Ought I give them a fair shake and see them as being successful? It seems as though I am already pre-judging them before they have a chance to act out. Most of these students came to me in 7th grade, and they were a bucket of beans. Sometimes beans sprout and become princes. I want to set up the classroom for the student teacher so she will be 100% successful, so the classroom runs smoothly, and learning takes place at every level.

Yesterday in my Master's class we talked about critical teaching. Perhaps this would be a good group for a socially inspired lesson focusing on social injustice and inequities. Give them a chance for leadership to cause a difference, have an impact, empower them with a reality extending beyond classroom walls mmmmmmm...