TET: What the TET?

[Kannap]

I'm going to take over a 9:30 AM lesson tomorrow (as a substitute) and some of those kids are known trouble makers.

This is my general plan for assuming command and making sure the work gets done.

1. I'm going to cut back on the friendly smiles and the jokes. I'm not there to be their "friend," I'm there to be a substitute queen to run a chaotic nation. The old adage, "you should keep some distance from the common people" applies here. I will smile and be friendly BUT ONLY WHEN I feel the majority of the classroom is under control. If not, then I will default to a cold, stony face.

2. When I have to issue commands for people to be silent, I will do so in a relatively cold, sharp, and loud voice. I will also maintain direct eye contact (NO SMILING AT THEM). The kids will hopefully understand that to mean "I'm not messing around." Also, these "threats" to silence them shall be issued in complete sentences and I will not "back down" if anyone creates a confrontation.

The threat order should be as follows:
First: "Simple BE QUIET/QUIET DOWN PLEASE"
Second level: "What is your name? ... Ok [name] you are too loud I need you to be quiet because class is going on right now. If you continue to be so loud you will get NO STICKER at the end of the day. I am completely serious."
Third level: "(a repeat of the second level but with increased verbal aggressiveness)
Fourth level: "STAND UP. You're being too loud. [name] I'm going to have ask you to move over to the front and sit next to me. No? Then be quiet. ... LOOK AT ME WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU. Do you want me to call [real teacher] and tell them you're not behaving? THEN YOU BE SILENT."
Fifth level: "[Name] NO STICKER FOR DAY. [short lecture about why there will be no sticker for this student]"

All of these threats are to be issued with a cold, clear, voice and with a direct eye contact (no breaking off) and with complete sentences. Professionalism will be maintained (so no name calling of the student).

I think it may work better starting from Second level to move up to the student, crouch down and look STRAIGHT AT THEM.

...

Also, snack time and toilet break is going to be a nightmare.

So this is my plan.

After they line up, I will glare at all of them and make them confirm the following while looking VERY THREATENINGLY at them:

1. You will stay in line.
2. There will be no running
3. There will be no jumping
3. BE QUIET

A very very firm warning will be given that if anyone doesn't follow these rules, they will be reported to the [real teacher] when they get back and "they know what will happen next" (in fact, NOTHING happens next because this tutoring center is client-focused and we have no detention system).

However, when they actually move out and come back, this won't be enforced 100% because the objective of the threats above is to MINIMIZE the noise level (its too idealistic to expect 100% compliance).

Any No Stick threat won't necessarily be actually enforced, they can "earn" the sticker back or I might decide to be lenient at the end but only after re-issuing the declarations of wrongful conduct.

All of the above should be balanced with some vague statement about someone at the end getting a Bonus Sticker if they behave.

...

However, I think on the whole I need to work, as a new teacher, on this threatening act. People show me too much disrespect and if this keeps up then I might not be able to keep this job.

I really want to keep this job because there's at least a semblance of order (even though I'm having tons of nightmares now about being unable to control these kids)

This makes you sound like a scary person in the classroom, poor kiddos.

[Hurdergaryp]

Spring is definitely here. Storm warnings and tornado watches galore. \o/

Yep. Little tiny hail here yesterday, great big stuff out on the Eastern Plains, which would be Western Plains for you. It's all uphill. The lowest point in my state is higher than the highest in yours. Of course, we legalized weed some years ago, so most everything here is higher ... *wanders off*

And with spring comes the promise of destruction, caused by the mindless wrath of nature giving back what it receives.

[Ethel mermania]

Yep. Little tiny hail here yesterday, great big stuff out on the Eastern Plains, which would be Western Plains for you. It's all uphill. The lowest point in my state is higher than the highest in yours. Of course, we legalized weed some years ago, so most everything here is higher ... *wanders off*

And with spring comes the promise of destruction, caused by the mindless wrath of nature giving back what it receives.

Margarine?

[Hurdergaryp]

And with spring comes the promise of destruction, caused by the mindless wrath of nature giving back what it receives.

Margarine?

Your mind is a rather peculiar thing, Ethel.

[Ardrentt]

And with spring comes the promise of destruction, caused by the mindless wrath of nature giving back what it receives.

Margarine?

Truly brings a shiver to your spine.

[Ethel mermania]

Margarine?

Your mind is a rather peculiar thing, Ethel.

Well yes. But there is a reference there that farn should get.

[Infected Mushroom]

I'm going to take over a 9:30 AM lesson tomorrow (as a substitute) and some of those kids are known trouble makers.

This is my general plan for assuming command and making sure the work gets done.

1. I'm going to cut back on the friendly smiles and the jokes. I'm not there to be their "friend," I'm there to be a substitute queen to run a chaotic nation. The old adage, "you should keep some distance from the common people" applies here. I will smile and be friendly BUT ONLY WHEN I feel the majority of the classroom is under control. If not, then I will default to a cold, stony face.

2. When I have to issue commands for people to be silent, I will do so in a relatively cold, sharp, and loud voice. I will also maintain direct eye contact (NO SMILING AT THEM). The kids will hopefully understand that to mean "I'm not messing around." Also, these "threats" to silence them shall be issued in complete sentences and I will not "back down" if anyone creates a confrontation.

The threat order should be as follows:
First: "Simple BE QUIET/QUIET DOWN PLEASE"
Second level: "What is your name? ... Ok [name] you are too loud I need you to be quiet because class is going on right now. If you continue to be so loud you will get NO STICKER at the end of the day. I am completely serious."
Third level: "(a repeat of the second level but with increased verbal aggressiveness)
Fourth level: "STAND UP. You're being too loud. [name] I'm going to have ask you to move over to the front and sit next to me. No? Then be quiet. ... LOOK AT ME WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU. Do you want me to call [real teacher] and tell them you're not behaving? THEN YOU BE SILENT."
Fifth level: "[Name] NO STICKER FOR DAY. [short lecture about why there will be no sticker for this student]"

All of these threats are to be issued with a cold, clear, voice and with a direct eye contact (no breaking off) and with complete sentences. Professionalism will be maintained (so no name calling of the student).

I think it may work better starting from Second level to move up to the student, crouch down and look STRAIGHT AT THEM.

...

Also, snack time and toilet break is going to be a nightmare.

So this is my plan.

After they line up, I will glare at all of them and make them confirm the following while looking VERY THREATENINGLY at them:

1. You will stay in line.
2. There will be no running
3. There will be no jumping
3. BE QUIET

A very very firm warning will be given that if anyone doesn't follow these rules, they will be reported to the [real teacher] when they get back and "they know what will happen next" (in fact, NOTHING happens next because this tutoring center is client-focused and we have no detention system).

However, when they actually move out and come back, this won't be enforced 100% because the objective of the threats above is to MINIMIZE the noise level (its too idealistic to expect 100% compliance).

Any No Stick threat won't necessarily be actually enforced, they can "earn" the sticker back or I might decide to be lenient at the end but only after re-issuing the declarations of wrongful conduct.

All of the above should be balanced with some vague statement about someone at the end getting a Bonus Sticker if they behave.

...

However, I think on the whole I need to work, as a new teacher, on this threatening act. People show me too much disrespect and if this keeps up then I might not be able to keep this job.

I really want to keep this job because there's at least a semblance of order (even though I'm having tons of nightmares now about being unable to control these kids)

This makes you sound like a scary person in the classroom, poor kiddos.

I've experimented with other methods first but for three-four classes (the only ones where I "soloed" without any oversight) ABSOLUTE anarchy. I feel that many of these children are at an age group where the only thing they will respect is the very very firm verbal setting of boundaries. Anything short of that is an invitation to total anarchy (and the sad thing is that its usually only about 2-3 students who are creating the chaos but its really operating at such a disruptive level).

My days are numbered at this position if I do not find the right balance to control these kids. If I start to acquire a reputation as someone who cannot control the kids when they are marched out into the corridors, then I fear for my longevity.

Believe me, this goes against my nature as I really really dislike confrontations. In fact, the very notion of having to deploy these sorts of "terror tactics" is probably going to cause me many sleepless nights (probably even this night). Already I'm having tons and tons of nightmares about the next potentially chaotic situation. My understanding, from trial and error and observation, is that I need to incorporate some Confrontational/Firm Boundary Setting into my teaching strategy.

Every instructor has strengths and weaknesses (and its clearly about Balance), but for my part, I think I need to work on the Bad Cop side of my personality. As the Head Teacher said, "you have to learn to be 'Bipolar' as a teacher; you got to me mean when its necessary."

Tomorrow will be a trial run for this new strategy. I truly hope all goes well because if I do not hammer out a strategy that can work, its going to be very very very exhausting watching class after class explode every single time I cover (and there's A LOT OF DAYS to cover already assigned to me).

[Kannap]

Yep. Little tiny hail here yesterday, great big stuff out on the Eastern Plains, which would be Western Plains for you. It's all uphill. The lowest point in my state is higher than the highest in yours. Of course, we legalized weed some years ago, so most everything here is higher ... *wanders off*

And with spring comes the promise of destruction, caused by the mindless wrath of nature giving back what it receives.

Hurricane season is primarily Summer though.

[Kannap]

My two Summer classes start tomorrow, so I hope I enjoy them.

[Dumb Ideologies]

I've experimented with other methods first but for three-four classes (the only ones where I "soloed" without any oversight) ABSOLUTE anarchy. I feel that many of these children are at an age group where the only thing they will respect is the very very firm verbal setting of boundaries. Anything short of that is an invitation to total anarchy (and the sad thing is that its usually only about 2-3 students who are creating the chaos but its really operating at such a disruptive level).

My days are numbered at this position if I do not find the right balance to control these kids. If I start to acquire a reputation as someone who cannot control the kids when they are marched out into the corridors, then I fear for my longevity.

Believe me, this goes against my nature as I really really dislike confrontations. In fact, the very notion of having to deploy these sorts of "terror tactics" is probably going to cause me many sleepless nights (probably even this night). Already I'm having tons and tons of nightmares about the next potentially chaotic situation. My understanding, from trial and error and observation, is that I need to incorporate some Confrontational/Firm Boundary Setting into my teaching strategy.

Every instructor has strengths and weaknesses (and its clearly about Balance), but for my part, I think I need to work on the Bad Cop side of my personality. As the Head Teacher said, "you have to learn to be 'Bipolar' as a teacher; you got to me mean when its necessary."

Tomorrow will be a trial run for this new strategy. I truly hope all goes well because if I do not hammer out a strategy that can work, its going to be very very very exhausting watching class after class explode every single time I cover (and there's A LOT OF DAYS to cover already assigned to me).

Roger McGough had some wise words you could learn from:

Chaos ruled OK in the classroom
as bravely the teacher walked in
the hooligans ignored him
his voice was lost in the din

'The theme for today is violence
and homework will be set
I'm going to teach you a lesson
one that you'll never forget'

He picked on a boy who was shouting
and throttled him then and there
then garrotted the girl behind him
(the one with grotty hair)

Then sword in hand he hacked his way
between the chattering rows
'First come, first severed' he declared
'fingers, feet or toes'

He threw the sword at a latecomer
it struck with deadly aim
then pulling out a shotgun
he continued with his game

The first blast cleared the backrow
(where those who skive hang out)
they collapsed like rubber dinghies
when the plug's pulled out

'Please may I leave the room sir? '
a trembling vandal enquired
'Of course you may' said teacher
put the gun to his temple and fired

The Head popped a head round the doorway
to see why a din was being made
nodded understandingly
then tossed in a grenade

And when the ammo was well spent
with blood on every chair
Silence shuffled forward
with its hands up in the air

The teacher surveyed the carnage
the dying and the dead
He waggled a finger severely
'Now let that be a lesson' he said

[The Xenopolis Confederation]

I've experimented with other methods first but for three-four classes (the only ones where I "soloed" without any oversight) ABSOLUTE anarchy. I feel that many of these children are at an age group where the only thing they will respect is the very very firm verbal setting of boundaries. Anything short of that is an invitation to total anarchy (and the sad thing is that its usually only about 2-3 students who are creating the chaos but its really operating at such a disruptive level).

My days are numbered at this position if I do not find the right balance to control these kids. If I start to acquire a reputation as someone who cannot control the kids when they are marched out into the corridors, then I fear for my longevity.

Believe me, this goes against my nature as I really really dislike confrontations. In fact, the very notion of having to deploy these sorts of "terror tactics" is probably going to cause me many sleepless nights (probably even this night). Already I'm having tons and tons of nightmares about the next potentially chaotic situation. My understanding, from trial and error and observation, is that I need to incorporate some Confrontational/Firm Boundary Setting into my teaching strategy.

Every instructor has strengths and weaknesses (and its clearly about Balance), but for my part, I think I need to work on the Bad Cop side of my personality. As the Head Teacher said, "you have to learn to be 'Bipolar' as a teacher; you got to me mean when its necessary."

Tomorrow will be a trial run for this new strategy. I truly hope all goes well because if I do not hammer out a strategy that can work, its going to be very very very exhausting watching class after class explode every single time I cover (and there's A LOT OF DAYS to cover already assigned to me).

Roger McGough had some wise words you could learn from:

Chaos ruled OK in the classroom
as bravely the teacher walked in
the hooligans ignored him
his voice was lost in the din

'The theme for today is violence
and homework will be set
I'm going to teach you a lesson
one that you'll never forget'

He picked on a boy who was shouting
and throttled him then and there
then garrotted the girl behind him
(the one with grotty hair)

Then sword in hand he hacked his way
between the chattering rows
'First come, first severed' he declared
'fingers, feet or toes'

He threw the sword at a latecomer
it struck with deadly aim
then pulling out a shotgun
he continued with his game

The first blast cleared the backrow
(where those who skive hang out)
they collapsed like rubber dinghies
when the plug's pulled out

'Please may I leave the room sir? '
a trembling vandal enquired
'Of course you may' said teacher
put the gun to his temple and fired

The Head popped a head round the doorway
to see why a din was being made
nodded understandingly
then tossed in a grenade

And when the ammo was well spent
with blood on every chair
Silence shuffled forward
with its hands up in the air

The teacher surveyed the carnage
the dying and the dead
He waggled a finger severely
'Now let that be a lesson' he said

Allow me to amend my previous comment about NSG posts and teaching suitability...

[Petrolheadia]

I now feel kind of apathetic about debates on social issues.

Some time ago, I could hold long debates about why abortion, homosexuality, transgenderism etc. are not bad things. Now, at my best I just don't care, and at my worst I sometimes hope that my opponents would just go and die, because they ain't gonna change.

[The Xenopolis Confederation]

I now feel kind of apathetic about debates on social issues.

Some time ago, I could hold long debates about why abortion, homosexuality, transgenderism etc. are not bad things. Now, at my best I just don't care, and at my worst I sometimes hope that my opponents would just go and die, because they ain't gonna change.

I still enjoy debating social issues, because it is an interesting thing to do from my experience. While I have no way of quantifying how many minds I've changed, I do know that I've had my mind changed, and it's allowed me to hone my beliefs and become a more informed person.

[Petrolheadia]

I now feel kind of apathetic about debates on social issues.

Some time ago, I could hold long debates about why abortion, homosexuality, transgenderism etc. are not bad things. Now, at my best I just don't care, and at my worst I sometimes hope that my opponents would just go and die, because they ain't gonna change.

I still enjoy debating social issues, because it is an interesting thing to do from my experience. While I have no way of quantifying how many minds I've changed, I do know that I've had my mind changed, and it's allowed me to hone my beliefs and become a more informed person.

I don't really care for that any more.

Recently, I feel myself slipping into simply getting annoyed at that.
I just don't feel like I can take criticism, even constructive.
Don't want to argue about anything, don't feel like I am gonna get any satisfaction from anything.
Coasting through the day, doing school stuff to keep my mind occupied and listening to The Who's hits on repeat.

[The South Falls]

I now feel kind of apathetic about debates on social issues.

Some time ago, I could hold long debates about why abortion, homosexuality, transgenderism etc. are not bad things. Now, at my best I just don't care, and at my worst I sometimes hope that my opponents would just go and die, because they ain't gonna change.

I still enjoy debating social issues, because it is an interesting thing to do from my experience. While I have no way of quantifying how many minds I've changed, I do know that I've had my mind changed, and it's allowed me to hone my beliefs and become a more informed person.

NS is actually aiight for changing beliefs. At the beginning. Then, once you've entrenched yourself and made a persona, it's over.

[The Xenopolis Confederation]

I still enjoy debating social issues, because it is an interesting thing to do from my experience. While I have no way of quantifying how many minds I've changed, I do know that I've had my mind changed, and it's allowed me to hone my beliefs and become a more informed person.

I don't really care for that any more.

Recently, I feel myself slipping into simply getting annoyed at that.
I just don't feel like I can take criticism, even constructive.
Don't want to argue about anything, don't feel like I am gonna get any satisfaction from anything.
Coasting through the day, doing school stuff to keep my mind occupied and listening to The Who's hits on repeat.

I'm sorry to hear that. The best advice I can give is to find a way to be able to take constructive criticism, and if artuing on the internet is becoming unsatisfying and draining, to maybe take a break. I hope you end up feeling better.

[The Xenopolis Confederation]

I still enjoy debating social issues, because it is an interesting thing to do from my experience. While I have no way of quantifying how many minds I've changed, I do know that I've had my mind changed, and it's allowed me to hone my beliefs and become a more informed person.

NS is actually aiight for changing beliefs. At the beginning. Then, once you've entrenched yourself and made a persona, it's over.

What if I make my persona around letting my mind be changed?

[The South Falls]

NS is actually aiight for changing beliefs. At the beginning. Then, once you've entrenched yourself and made a persona, it's over.

What if I make my persona around letting my mind be changed?

You've broke the system and Max will abduct you.

[Hurdergaryp]

What if I make my persona around letting my mind be changed?

You've broke the system and Max will abduct you.

Another one for the dungeons.

[Dumb Ideologies]

I still enjoy debating social issues, because it is an interesting thing to do from my experience. While I have no way of quantifying how many minds I've changed, I do know that I've had my mind changed, and it's allowed me to hone my beliefs and become a more informed person.

NS is actually aiight for changing beliefs. At the beginning. Then, once you've entrenched yourself and made a persona, it's over.

I've openly admitted to changing my mind on quite a few not-insignificant topics over the years (Brexit, feminism, the right balance of socialism/capitalism etc etc) and I can't really get my head around why people entrench themselves.

It's not even the "easy" thing to do. It's surely harder to argue repeatedly for something you no longer think is right rather than making a single effort post saying why you changed your mind.

[Hurdergaryp]

NS is actually aiight for changing beliefs. At the beginning. Then, once you've entrenched yourself and made a persona, it's over.

I've openly admitted to changing my mind on quite a few not-insignificant topics over the years (Brexit, feminism, the right balance of socialism/capitalism etc etc) and I can't really get my head around why people entrench themselves.

It's not even the "easy" thing to do. It's surely harder to argue repeatedly for something you no longer think is right rather than making a single effort post saying why you changed your mind.

The neurological process behind the unchanging mindset, no matter how much reality disagrees with said mindset, is an interesting one.

[Dresderstan]

Oh how I hate thunderstorms, especially the ones that are sudden and rain heavy with lots of thunder, lightning and strong winds.

[Kannap]

Oh how I hate thunderstorms, especially the ones that are sudden and rain heavy with lots of thunder, lightning and strong winds.

Oh how I love thunderstorms, especially ones with lots of thunder, lightning, and strong winds.

[Heloin]

Oh how I hate thunderstorms, especially the ones that are sudden and rain heavy with lots of thunder, lightning and strong winds.

Oh how I love thunderstorms, especially ones with lots of thunder, lightning, and strong winds.

[Kannap]

Oh how I love thunderstorms, especially ones with lots of thunder, lightning, and strong winds.

There will certainly be no kissing, he's an icky conservative.

Can't promise there won't be fighting though.