Students today seem to orbit one another, looking to peers to solve problems that adults used to help with.   Teachers may feel less like respected leaders in their classrooms, and more like a supervisor!  

The term comes from-where else but a great book-Hold On to Your Kids-by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate.  The increasing attachment to peers perhaps indicates their need for being seen and valued by others like them.  Digital devices also offer unlimited access to friends.  

What can teachers do? I offer one or two ideas.  Talk with your teammates and to those teaching longer than you.  How can we help one another bring student attention back to us?

Online phonics diagnostic @whamphonics.com
Additional elementary resources @ https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Whamphonics