Am I teaching Middle School?

The other day I asked my fifth period if they were confused and thought that they were still in middle school because that is how they were acting. I just don't understand why some students think that the things they do is a good idea. Maybe the problem is that they aren't thinking. I told them that I wanted to treat them like they were adults and like they were in high school then they needed to act like it but until then, they act like they're 12 and I'm going to treat them like they're 12. Today I am happy to report was MUCH better. I think that they are trying to earn some respect and privileges. How things have been going lately they are pretty much aren't allowed to do anything. They can't get up without asking, can't work with partners, can't go to the bathroom without giving up a pass which would turn into extra credit if they didn't use it (I have only had to do this with 2 of my classes), can't talk during the warm-up or it turns into a quiz, basically they have to sit there and only speak if they raise their hand or I call on them. I really hate teaching like this and hate myself when the period is over but it is the only thing that brings any sense of organization and calmness to the room. I am hoping that eventually I can lighten up and be myself around them.

I feel like I only write negative things on here so here is something good! I really like my job! I never find myself looking at the clock wishing it would go faster so that I could go home. I like most of my students. I still think that high schoolers are hilarious. It is fun watching how much maturity the seniors have compared to the freshman.

I have a student I am going to call Annie (this isn't her real name but since I haven't asked her permission to write about her I figure I shouldn't use her name.) One day a week or two ago when one of my classes was working on their assignment. There was a group of students sitting in the back corner that wouldn't stop talking and do their work. I gave them their one warning that if they didn't stop chatting and start doing math they would have to move. Well, they didn't stop so I told Annie to move to a seat in the front of the room. After a minute of her trying to figure out if I was serious she finally moved but then she realized I didn't make anyone else move. (the reason I didn't was because she was really the one that was talking the most and by removing her the others got to work) She asked why no one else had to move and I explained it to her. She then proceeded to tell me that "that's bull". I told her we could talk after class. Now, you have to know that in my classroom there is basically one rule and that is to have respect. After class I explained to her that how she was talking to me was not respectful and it needed to change. She just stood there and said ok over and over. I wondered if I was going to have problems with her for the rest of the year. Well, since then she has had some problems outside of my classroom (including being suspended for drinking orange juice and vodka DURING CLASS!) I am the only teacher that gave the office homework for her while she was suspended and since returning has been quite pleasant. She thanked me for caring enough to take the time to give her the missed work and asked if there was anything else she needed to do. Needless to say, I like having her in class for the most part now. I honestly think that she has respect for me now because that is what I expected from the beginning and I have shown her respect as a student. I just wish she wouldn't make such bad choices.

Well, that's all for now. I could write forever but that's just what I've been thinking about lately.