Every. Single. Day.

I'd like to think of myself as an organized kind of person, especially when teaching. Everything is labeled, everything is clear. We have gone over procedures, expectations etc. time and time again. We have practiced what to do, we have ACTED IT OUT. Yet, somehow, the following scenes seem to happen every day.

Scene #1-
Student (entering the class): "What are we doing today Mrs. Scott?"

Me: "What is written up on the board, under 'agenda for the day?'"

Student: "Oh, yeah, I forgot to read that."

Me: "Hmmm...indeed."


Scene #2-
Student, (walking in the door, before the bell rings):
"Mrs. Scott, do I need my book today?"

Me: "You tell me."

Student: "I don't know."

Me: "What is written on that sign, under the words 'classroom expectations?'"

Student: "Ummm....bring your book to class, every day."

Me: (smiling) "Ah ha!!!"


Scene #3-
Me: "When everyone is quiet, I will explain the directions to you..."

Student: "what are we supposed to do?"

Me: "I'm waiting for people to stop talking..."

Student: ..."but Mrs. Scott, do I need my pencil!?!"

Me: [standing quietly] "...as soon as you all stop, and give me your full attention, (and I will know I have your attention when your mouths are closed and I can see your lovely eyes,) I will tell you what you need to do next..."

Student in the back: "Do we need our books?"