What a difference a year of learning routines with sixth graders makes for the first week of school! I've spent the last 5 school days going over all the different routines in sixth grade science. Students have practiced over and over entering the room, collecting lab notebooks, starting class with warm-ups, using supplies... and the practice works.
This group of kids is SO kind, polite, good at school and WANTING to learn. Yes, they get a little squirrely. But they re-direct really well, too.
I'm convinced this year will be successful due to the mix of kids AND the way I've taught them the rules and routines of the year.
