Now
that student teaching is more than halfway completed, both of us feel much more
confident in our ability to deliver lessons. One area in which we still struggle
for excellence, however, is classroom management. The hardest thing we find is
transitioning from one subject to the next. For example, from math to science
period or going from one activity to having the students return to their
desks. At first it took longer to
transition, but one of us has implemented
a count down from 10 and this countdown strategy enables the transition to go quickly and
smoothly.
Looking
back at the beginning of student teaching we were both terrified that we were
not going to be able to control the
students in our respective classes. While we appear to have full control of our
classes we are still working on finding different ways to help with classroom
management!!!
Both of us would like to know from you the following:
1. What
techniques did you introduce that you felt would help with classroom
management? What worked and what did not work?
2. How did
you feel on your first day of student teaching? How do you feel now as you stand
in front of your class?
I really like your countdown from 10 strategy. I may try that out in my class! I have tried a few new strategies with individual students. For example, I have a student who consistently has trouble completing his homework and returning all of his materials to school. I created a sticker chart where he is rewarded when he completes and turns in his work. For the whole group I use the clip up chart, which is a mandatory part of each classroom in my school. This week I also tried the bouncy ball website on the Smart Board to control the noise level within the classroom.
ReplyDeleteThe first day of student teaching I was nervous and unsure of when or how to jump in. Now I am completely comfortable in front of the class. It felt very natural to jump in and take over. My cooperating teachers are very supportive and I am sure that the environment they created is directly related to my comfort level within the classroom.
ReplyDeleteWithout classroom management, I believe teaching is impossible. If you don’t have the class under control, how will you be able to deliver instruction? As most of you know I am in a Kindergarten class and I will say that my cooperating teacher displays outstanding classroom management. We have “table leaders” this is one child from each table who is responsible for getting the “table cups” in the morning, putting them back in “table baskets” at end of the day and they always stack the chairs at the end of the day.
As far as transitioning goes, we have table numbers so we call those numbers to go to the carpet, go to the bathroom after lunch and for other reasons.
Other ways to line up students:
1. boys line up first, and then girls
2. quietly tip toe to their seats.
3. say what they are wearing “If your wearing blue, line up”
4. If your name starts with a “R’ line up
I know I need to be SPECIFIC when giving instructions to my students. I have to say, “tables 1 & 2 you may go to the carpet for calendar”. Another thing we say is “1,2,3 all eyes on me” the students say “1,2 eyes on you”. This works like a charm. You can also clap and have them repeat the same number of claps. There are tons of ways, you just have to figure out what works for your students and for you.
My first day of student teaching I felt like I was the shy person at the party. Now, I feel like I am throwing the party. It is truly the most rewarding profession and I come home everyday feeling like I have made a difference. We have all worked so hard and cant believe we are halfway there! Take a moment, reflect, and be proud of yourselves. We are all going to make terrific teachers someday. ☺
Classroom management is absolutely key in a classroom. You have to set a standard for your students and yourself. Make sure your students understand that you mean business. Do not make any empty threats to the students. I have learned that with the younger students need that follow through. While they still very young, my students know what is appropriate and what is not. I have a train behavior chart that I use throughout the day for the students. The train moves when we are transiting to another activity. Depending how well they are doing in the activity their train moves. In addition, I have a "pom-pom" reward which they receive a pom-pom when they are a "super friend" to another student, answering a question during circle time, and being a great listener.
ReplyDeleteMy first day of student teaching was completely nerve racking because I was super excited to finally be in the classroom. I could not believe the moment finally came that I was going to be a teacher. My students have made a great impact on my life and I believe I am doing the same for them. The students and cooperating teacher has made me apart of their little family, and I could not feel more blessed. Each day that I walk into the class and feel more and more this is the profession that I belong in.
Great ideas. Routine is key...and I believe it is easy to get easy. When children know what to expect each day there will be fewer issues. Run a tight ship, be organized, come up with class expectations as a class, create a community of learning, let students know consequences, make sure there are no surprises for them, their parents, your faculty, or the administration...and I believe everything should be done with joy, love, passion, and some silliness.
ReplyDeleteMake sure you're flexible with yourself as well...if something isn't working anymore, switch things up and come up with something new.
Some of our class expectations include:
Popsicle sticks for attendance
Do Now Journals
Homework Out, Notebooks out
I don't grade any tests completed in pen. Students receive a grade of PEN.
Shazam
If you can hear me...clap your hands once (and then listen).
You either have your homework or you don't. Show it to me the next day for 1/2 credit.
Any note from a parent asking a child to be excused for homework will be scanned and sent to the parent thanking them for their note.
If you're reading a book in my classroom (for whatever reason) and I ask you to put it away and you take it out again, it must be so good that I have to read it that night...and I do. You'll get it back when I'm done.
If you need anything, at any time, for whatever reason, come to me....
Great topic and it varies across all grade levels. At Fifth grade I love to use the smart board for transitions. Having behind you "Math Supplies: Textbook, Homework, Pencil, Pen, and Activity book" allows students to know what they are expected to have out and be ready for the lesson, with minimal reinforcement and my give you time to help another student get ready. I agree with Rosalie it is routine with a bit of silliness. Because if your bored of doing it, most likely so are your students.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic and it varies across all grade levels. At Fifth grade I love to use the smart board for transitions. Having behind you "Math Supplies: Textbook, Homework, Pencil, Pen, and Activity book" allows students to know what they are expected to have out and be ready for the lesson, with minimal reinforcement and my give you time to help another student get ready. I agree with Rosalie it is routine with a bit of silliness. Because if your bored of doing it, most likely so are your students.
ReplyDelete