How in the heck did you manage to get a mix of students like
this? Doesn't your admin and office staff have some sense to
split the group up amongst some of the other 5th grade
teachers?

It sounds like you have your hands full. I'd keep doing what
you're doing in order to survive. Keep a strict schedule.
Stay away from group projects and discussions. Keep them
seated in rows. Switch activities often. Reward positive
behavior when possible and stay firm and consistant.

I wish I had more advice for you. I had a similar group last
year, 14 boys, 4 girls, 4 IEP's, one SED, three ADD/ADHD.
Your group sounds a bit tougher and I feel for you.

Last year I tried fun group projects, science activities,
art, painting, etc. I usually regreted it. I didn't give up
those things altogether, but I didn't do them often. I stayed
away from anything that required paired or group work because
I knew I'd end up breaking up fights and going home exhausted
by the end of the day.

Can you get some support staff in your room, an aide or sped.
teacher? Just an extra adult might help.

I wish you the best of luck and I hope you can keep your
sanity and survive the school year. Take care of yourself and
use your sick days for mental health.

On 11/05/09, Kathy wrote:
> 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.

Share This Post | Report This Post

Next Post >>

Posts on this thread, including this one