[LIT] status of class

[Ginny Paisie]

I think I asked about this last year, but I am once again trying to jumpstart my workshop now that second semester is here.  My biggest problem area: trying to keep track of who's doing what each day (with 33 kids in all 3 classes, whew).  I have not been able to do this quickly, as 7th graders notoriously respond with "What? Oh. Um. [gets papers out of folder because she was talking with her friend while I said TWICE to 'write.'] Uh..I'm writing a poem. Is that okay? I ...." and so so until at least 45 seconds has elapsed. At 45 seconds x 33... there's my time that I should be conferencing!
   Help!  The kids love to be able to have choice of what to write, but holding them accountable to be drafting, revising... is so darn frustrating!

Thanks for any suggestions.
Ginny Paisie
Cary, NC