things can always get worse

Just when I thought things were getting better with my 9th period class, things got worse. Today was HORRIFIC.

I was going over theatre terms ("going over" with on-level kids means writing the definitions on the board and having them copy them down). It wasn't rocket science, they didn't have to think, and they didn't have to even raise their hands to participate. But it was God awful. I eventually threw down my dry erase marker and said, "I'm done. That's it. You can figure out what the definitions are for the rest of the terms and we'll have a quiz early next week."

Let me break it down for you. Here are the reasons why I am furious with them:

1. They never shut up.
2. They throw things.
3. They never shut up.
4. They curse. A whole fucking lot.
5. They never shut up.
6. They can't sit still.
7. They never shut up.
8. They complain about everything.
9. They never shut up.
10. They complain about each other.
11. They never shut up.
12. They make farting noises when they enter the room.
13. They never shut up.

Now, you may be thinking to yourself that I have no classroom management skills. Alas, I do. It's just I have 30 on-level kids at the end of the day after they've all had gym and lunch and my class has become time to see all of their friends and catch up on the day's gossip and we're squeezed in a room the size of a closet. I have tried all of the classroom management tricks I know. I need help. Dear readers, please, any advice would be appreciated. I NEED HELP.

The only highlight of my day was when one of the girls in my 2nd period class recognized an adjective. I believe the conversation went as so:

Student A: Yeah, and I can't believe she said that. She treats me like I'm fucking stupid.
Student B: WATCH YOUR ADJECTIVES!

Ah, one of those "teachable moments" I've heard so much about. I was proud of her.