[shelleyp]

Ive been a kindergarten for over 9 years but I have just moved from Hong Kong, where students are disciplined and rarely physically fight to Panama, where my class is a rumble!
I've been in the class 4days and minimal improvement. They cannot speak English and can only understand vary basic commands. It's is a class of 28 students in A.M and 12 in P.M all 4/5/6 yr olds and they stay each for 3hrs (some for the full 6)
But every second someone is attacking someone else. I try the zero tolerance approach but it's hard to keep up. I discipline one student and another 2 start wrestling. Girls included! This is the only time in my teaching career I feel totally out of control.
The classroom has minimal resources, no toys really. I am going to invest in some essentials, such as Lego, instruments and puzzles. But in the mean time I need some activities that can keep them busy! The English will come with time, but Ive got to keep them from killing each other!
Thanks for all your suggestions