Last Monday, because 2 of my advisory class’ teachers were out, I had to fill in for them. In effect, I had to look after my class all the way from the very start all the way to lunch. It wasn’t a very pleasant experience at all.

In fact, it was so tiring. And to make things worse, I wasn’t even conducting lectures. I was just there the whole time to remind them that they were supposed to work on several tasks – their science expo projects, their homework in ecology, guitar piece for music etc. I was the one getting overwhelmed with their load yet there seems to be no worry or even a single ounce of concern showing on their faces. Sorry, I take back what I said. It wasn’t tiring. It was frustrating.

Just imagine. I had to continue badgering them the whole time just so they’d move. Is this normal? Am I really still supposed to push them this hard to work? If these were elementary students, I suppose it’s alright. But they’re not. These are already 12, 13, 14-year old individuals. They’re already supposed to be thinking, talking, (to some degree) independent individuals who should be expected to handle themselves logically. But they don’t. The truth is, they’re behaving more chaotically than my grade 4 students.

What should I do? I am this close to my limit. A few more and they’d reach my breaking point. Can you blame me?