8th grade is new to me . . . Having recently transitioned from seniors back to the middle school realm, I am struggling.  I am struggling with the smell, with the frequent popping of my personal bubble, in addition to the drastic decrease in the level of maturity. More so I am struggling with the mindless gaming that my young gentleman seem to be enthralled in. Before class, after class, during class, the moment there is a lull in conversation, as soon as I look away, there is an open chromebook with the rapid movement on the keypad. Having engaged them in conversation related to what they are playing and why, their answer astounded me: what else are we supposed to do? There seems to be an understanding that if there is nothing of value, in their minds, to do, that the only realistic option is to hop on a device to spend the time. I’m at a loss of what to do. My goal would be to teach them self control in addition to the timing/respect idea that that comes along with device use. However, what is my role and when is the opportune time? Do I have the conversation with all of my students, who could probably hear it? Or do I focus on the students who need to be steered towards a more focused direction? I am sure within the next week next steps will become clear, but as for now something that has been occupying my thoughts . . .