I am truly at my wits end. I have a 5th grade class of 13
boys and 6 girls. These 13 boys are good kids when you
take them one at a time, but having them all in the same
class is murder! They argue across the room, talk out
loud, and finish their assignments in record time. I am
constantly putting out fires.
We can't have a class discussion without them getting so
loud that I finally give up and just give them a written
assignment. At the beginning of the year, I brought in
microscopes to look at the "critters" in pond water. They
almost took the roof off! I've not tried anything else of
that nature since then. Which is really a shame as I love
doing that sort of thing.
I have 7 computers in my room, 4 of which I've bought. I
mistakenly thought if I could keep them busy enough, I
could somehow teach. I've bought books with games and
puzzles in them, take it to your seat centers, and word
sorts. Nothing keeps their attention for long.
In this group I have 7 IEP's with five almost nonreaders.
Several others are low, but not on an IEP. I have at least
4 on medication for ADD or ADHD. Several more who have
been diagnosed but not treated. Two with anger management
problems, one boy, one girl. BTW, ALL the boys hate this
one girl and do anything they can to get a rise from her,
which is not hard. She is either angry and yelling, or
crying.
I would think it is just me, but all special teachers (art,
music, PE, computer lab, reading specialists) have problems
with them too.
If any one can give me some direction, I'd appreciate it.
This is my 21st year, so I do have some experience under my
belt, but none of the tricks I pull out work for more than
a couple of days.
Please, I'm begging. My health and job are at stake.

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