Nap Time-The dreaded 5th Hour Class

Hey everyone!
Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow. I congratulate those that have someone special to share this romantic and loving day. For those that aren't so fortunate, give thanks and love to all the good things you have in your life. This can include your health, your career, your family, your pets, anything that makes you happy.

Alright. Let's get serious. So my fifth hour class is the class I have directly after lunch. This class acts in two different ways, and you really never can predict which mood you will get that day.

1. Somber and sleepy zombies that stare with a blank expression. You are not even sure if they understand the content, unless you specifically call on names of students (many are dozing off, and you HAVE to do this to keep them awake).

2. Crazy, enthusiastic, uncontrollable japper jaw kids who's main focus after lunch is to figure out what happened DURING lunch, what's the news on homecoming this week, or who broke up with who. They are very difficult to get on task, and must be asked several times to get their act together and focus.

With two completely different variations of moods, it's difficult to predict which mood you will get from this class after lunch. For the first mood, I tried a Friday Afternoon Dance Party to start the class. I put on song with a great beat, and had the kids get up and stretch their arms, legs, necks, and shake out all their parts of their body. This seemed to work decent, but I need a better strategy.

For the latter, I thought that better utilizing an warm-up exercise to not give them the CHANCE to instantly get off task would work. It's been efficient, but there is still chit chat and conversation among the students.

This is the ONLY class I have behavior problems, and they are pretty minimal in all honesty. I contribute my rapport to starting two weeks early in student teaching, and starting the first day of the semester let the students know that I was on board for the behavior expectations the CT had for them. However, there is always room for improvement, and that's what I seek.

So, what strategies can I use for a class that comes in sleepy eyed, not interested in the material at hand? What can I do for the opposite? A rambunctious, energy-filled group that can't seem to focus either? Thanks guys!

Spencer