Eight Grade lunch is my daily touchstone...if I make it through that grade level's lunch relatively unscathed, I'll likely make it through the day. Hmm - what's my rubric, you might ask? Well, a 4 is no trash on the floor or on the tables, moderated indoor voices, seated until called, and respond to requests for attention. Often failure is measured in the number of apologies that I have to make to the staff (custodial and support) that are helping monitor lunches.
In December, we dismissed the bad behavior as pre-winter vacation crazy - everyone knows that this is real.
In January, we anticipated the new year reset meeting, hoping that clarity around expectations would improve the cafeteria outcomes.
In February, I despaired...could it be that this group would never demonstrate the maturity the we expect? Seriously, even the Seventh Graders were better behaved at lunch.
Recently, I realized our mistake. Typically, our eighth graders eat in under 10 minutes - and during the lovely weather, this means they are headed outside for some fresh air for the last 25 minutes of lunch. But during this cold and inclement weather, we haven't been taking anyone outside...so we need lunch to take the full 35 minutes - and students to be able to eat in the cafeteria as they would in a restaurant. A week ago I put the hammer down and threatened assigned seating by homeroom for all students. That, along with some coaching of the adults to slow things down at lunch, has proven effective.
Without the anticipation of getting in and out of the cafeteria fast, the eighth graders have relaxed a little, picked up some games, and eased up on the energy. They are still loud (ok, it is a school cafeteria). But, there is less trash on the table and floor, and more giggles and chit chat among friends. Our chess players are still deeply engaged - and our uno tables are having a blast. Today I had to ask the Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese Pizza game table to quiet down just a little - their screams of victory were drawing a lot of attention!
I'm attributing their success to maturity - finally making its slow way through the eighth grade class. As of today, I am hopeful that we will make it to June.
How fabulous that you solved the problem! Here's to warmer weather and a little slower roll.
ReplyDeleteI know so many folks are nodding their heads as they read this, and I also love how the games helped create something for all that adolescent energy!!! May the sun shine and may the Uno carry you forward.
ReplyDeleteGood call to slow their roll with games. Nothing like a little counter-conditioning to get kids to keep their lunch on the table.
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