A breakthrough 7 weeks in

8th Grade science teacher in the US. Third year teaching science at this school. My 5th period is one of the roughest classes I have had so far. 10/25 students have an IEP or 504. 3 of these have histories of violent behaviors in the classroom. The first 7 weeks of school has been relentlessly enforcing classroom norms and expectations, constant calling home, endless redirections, etc.

Today is the first day the entire school year it finally clicked and came together. Every student came in and quietly did the school's mandated 15 minutes DEAR. They transitioned quietly and without touching each other. Almost every student got their bellringer out and did it with one verbal reminder. They did an engineering design project without making a massive mess or arguing with their group or another group. The project was fun, engaging, and they answered the followup questions without complaint. I HEAPED on the positive affirmations today.

There is light at the end of the tunnel! Be consistent and persistent.