Week One

The week was mostly pretty good, I'd have to say. I feel like I've improved a ton just at how I carry myself with students and all and manage shit, hopefully I'm not speaking too soon. Wednesday, my first period was just god fucking awful. Cutting up and shit. Thursday morning I took the main four culprits aside and gave 'em a talk and I think it worked. I think can feel that I've gotten better at coming across firmer and harder. So far it seems like I've done okay at counterbalacing some of the behavior that starts to crop up. Yesterday during fourth period I had a situation with a girl acting out and I think I at least temporarily resolved the problem. None of the kids I've given a real talking-to have continued the next day or whatever. I know it's too early to claim victory. And I'm going to have to be on top of my shit in having the class prepared in a way that helps keep behavior from arising, but I'm feeling good about it right now. Forcing them to look in your eye when they talk and you're talking to them is a big key, I think. I also think I've gotten better at refusing to accept certain tones of voice. I mean, I never did before, or said I didn't, but in that can't-explain sort of way the way I respond and carry myself has gotten better at letting them know I don't accept it. But watch it all fall apart next week. I'm optimistic, really. And feeling good. Been getting good sleep. Not last night though. Went to the gym after work yesterday and was up so late. My disc drive on my old laptop seems to not be working, bummer. Oh and "old" laptop implies that I now have a new laptop. I do. Not a replacement but a second one. I want to be able to have one hooked up to the projector and one to still be able to look up records or check email and stuff, because it's hard to take care of some things when your sole laptop is projecting up in front of the class. Anything else? I don't konw. First weekend!