I just gave up on a phone-free classroom today. For pre-ACT and ASVAB testing (at least three hours of babysitting for the rest of us), I had 22 students (some I know and have a relationship with, most I don’t…and they’re 9th graders…ick) in a room for four hours while they worked on their computers or other work.

I came in and said I wanted all their phones up front, just for the sake of the bit. They looked at me, shocked and confused, and I said I was kidding. I want them on their phones (I called them digital pacifiers), and I want ear pods in their ears—the whole time, batteries willing.

THIS is the experience of many teachers (both today, here, and across the country on any given day) - mirroring what parents did with these kids when they were littles and could only be consoled by Mom’s phone in the grocery store or at a restaurant.

And you know what? It’s quiet, and they’re working. 10/10, would repeat.

Would love to hear what others would do/have done in similar circumstances.