I just wanted to say after my strict regime of 1/2 detention for
talking and 1 hour detention for being sent out, I finally realised
how important my approach was to the kids today. Not only did last
weeks offenders say they didn't mind doing the hours detention because
they did deserve it and it was for me, but I also was able to do
chemical experiments without anyone burning anyone, hitting anyone, or
shouting at each other!! I did ask a lot of people to pop in and check
on me mind you, BUT all the kids enjoyed it! I feel like I am
beginning to see the light of day with them I think. Still better not
get too complacent!! They'll probably be little horrors next week!!

"Woman on the edge"  wrote in message
news:1194997683.918300.297470@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
>I just wanted to say after my strict regime of 1/2 detention for
> talking and 1 hour detention for being sent out, I finally realised
> how important my approach was to the kids today. Not only did last
> weeks offenders say they didn't mind doing the hours detention because
> they did deserve it and it was for me, but I also was able to do
> chemical experiments without anyone burning anyone, hitting anyone, or
> shouting at each other!! I did ask a lot of people to pop in and check
> on me mind you, BUT all the kids enjoyed it! I feel like I am
> beginning to see the light of day with them I think. Still better not
> get too complacent!! They'll probably be little horrors next week!!
>

Sounds like you're getting on top of things quickly.  Well done!!

Just a thought - which you prob already realise.... very often, the
talkative and disruptive elements are (at least IME) often the most able.
So constantly stretching and stimulating them can sometimes be a more
effective and much more beneficial solution.  Hard in a large class, of 
course, but well worth giving it a go.

-- 
Martin