One SUPER easy way to begin to take control of your classroom

This past week, as the flowers began to bloom and old man winter bids farewell,  my middle school students are struck with spring fever.
 

This fever causes even the well behaved students to act irrationally and strange.  And those students that found focusing difficult before the fervor, are about to jump out of their skin...

So, the best solution to all this can be found in three words:  New Seating Chart.  WHY? Here are 5 reasons:

REASON #1)  Moving students around to new seats changes the dynamics of the classroom.  John and his best friend that sat next to each for the past two months, are now on the opposite sides of the classroom.  Now it becomes very difficult to share their jokes in the middle of class.

REASON #2) It's a wonderful opportunity for students to work with new students.  If you have students complete assignments in teams, a new seating students mixes up the teams.  And, this breaks down barriers.

REASON #3)  It is so easy to implement.  But remember, keep the chart handy for a few days to remind students where their new seat is located.

REASON #4) Moving students might help some struggling students.  You might have a students that tries to hide in the very back.  You know, this kid.  He doesn't talk much.  Keeps his head down as he is holding his pencil and praying not to be noticed by you.  So now is his time to move to the front.  And, when you move all the other students it only seems like a random chance that he is moved to the front of the class.

REASON #5)  In some cases, you just need to do this to reassert control of the classroom.  Let's face it. I hope it is not needed often, but if a class needs to little nudge; a new seating chart can do this.

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