Thursday Spanish III class

Tried a new approach at the beginning of class today.  Put a journal question on the board right as the bell rang.  Students knew it was "Diario" time, went to back of room to pick up their journals, and began writing.  Worked pretty well to settle them down more quickly.  Can't journal every day so will look for other solutions.  Posted the problem on teacher.net and am looking forward to receiving suggestions from others.  Kept a closer eye on the dynamics of the room today to see if perhaps the seating arrangment has anything to do with their excessive socialization.  Tim on task was good for the first 10 minutes today because of the journaling.  There were two verbal management strategies for a student off task (same student).  He is in the front row and continues to turn around to talk to the student behind him.  Putting him in the back row would solve that problem I think.  I will try that tomorrow to see if it makes a difference.  My directions were all followed well today and they did what was instructed.  Partner activities also went well and they were excited to finally receive their workbooks.  Who would have thought they would be excited to get the books that they have to do their homework in!!