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Emma - My name is Emma McDonald and I am a veteran teacher, and author of the book Survival Kit for New Teachers. My partner, Dyan, and I host this monthly meeting for new teachers. We work with new teachers through the year in various schools as well as on our web site, Beginning Teachers' Tool Box (http://www.inspiringteachers.com). Tonight's meeting is about Time Management.
Emma - Dyan will not be here tonight because she just brought home triplets a couple of nights ago and is a little busy. :)
Emma - Well, let's get started. Does anyone have any questions about time management to start?
Michelle - I teach kindergarten. How do you get these little guys to sit still long enough to hear anything?
Kaycee1234 - I just taught my first lesson yesterday, and I couldn't get the children to listen!
Kaycee1234 - it's a behavior disorder class, but still...I want them to respect me, you know?
Marty - I am in a resourse room now & I tutor a Kindergardner who has been held back, he doesn't even know his ABC's
Emma - Sitting still is hard for the little ones because they haven't been trained to do that yet. It takes a constant reminding on your part and also use of motivational techniques.
Kaycee1234 - any tips Emma?
Kaycee1234 - like what type of motivational techniques?
Kaycee1234 - I try to remind them, but they don't seem to care!
Emma - Some teachers like to use rewards to encourage the behavior they want.
Kaycee1234 - There's one little boy who constantly gets out of his desk, and if you go to talk to him, he runs, trying to make it into a game! I don't want to do that!
Michelle - Kaycee-- You and I are thinking alike. YOu are asking the questions I am thinking!
Emma - Another way is to make it a game such as the "Still Game" "I want to see who can be like a statute."
Kaycee1234 - :o) Michelle...there must be a lot of people out there like us!
Emma - Kaycee - It sounds like you need to implement a behavior program with consequences. One of that little boy's goals should be to stay in his seat. If he does each day, then he gets something nice (like computer time, etc). If he doesn't, then a consequence happens.
Kaycee1234 - hmmm...well, I don't know. These children don't seem to react much to any requests I make
Michelle - Do we have to make everything into a game or reward children for what should really be expected behavior? That sounds really bad! I'm really not that mean!
Emma - This is called a Behavior Management Plan and is usually done on an individual basis.
marnie - hey guys. I'm trying to figure out how to be a teacher and still have a life WITHOUT FEELING GUILTY. I'm a second year teacher,silverAnyone have any ideas?
Kaycee1234 - ok...they currently have a program like that in the class, where they get minus points and plus points. At the end of the month they get a reward from the principal
Emma - Do you have a mentor or veteran teacher in your school who has delt with these students before?
Kaycee1234 - yes, my cooperating teacher is quite helpful, but she says I just have to get them to respect me
Kaycee1234 - I've tried to be strict with them, as opposed to being their friend, but it's not working yet. Like I said, I only taught my first lesson yesterday, so maybe I will have more luck with time?
Emma - Michelle - You need to find a way to teach them what is expected in the beginning. Then as they understand that you want them to stay seated, you slowly stop making is all games/rewards. However, there has to be a starting point.
silver - Hi, Marnie. I have that same problem. I end up going in on weekends sometimes or just plain fall asleep too early to do anything.
Emma - I hate to end this part of the conversation, but tonight's chat is really about time management which is what Marnie is asking about. Let's move on to that topic.
Michelle - So, start out with rewards and games, but then wean them?
Emma - Organization is the key to teaching and having a life.
Emma - Michelle - Right! You need a place to start, but you don't want them to think that they will always be rewarded for expected behaviors.
Michelle - O.K. Time management.... When do you find time to do the paperwork that comes at you from a hundred different directions?
marnie - I have been concentrating on keeping organized, but it's a big adjustment from student to adult (scary)
Marty - How does everyone handel the kids coming to the resourse room and missing things in class?
Michelle - and HOW do you organize it?
Emma - I will start with some tips, so please forgive me if I don't get to every question. Just keep repeating. I'm doing this by myself tonight, okay?
Emma - I keep a file stacker on my desk with the following folders: Memo's - Read Now; To Be Filed; Put on Calendar
Emma - The key is to deal with the paperwork when it comes in. Let's say you get your mail from your box in the office at the beginning of your planning period. Immediately go to your room and close the door.
marnie - I have a problem with keeping a calendar. I find that I end up having one at school, one at home and one in between. Help!
Michelle - Who has a planning period?
Emma - Go through each piece of mail and do the following: 1) read it 2) mark down important dates on your calendar; 3) make any response if necessary; 4) either file it in a binder under a tabbed section labeled memos, OR throw it away. Do this with each piece.
silver - Luxury item I don't have.
Emma - I know it is hard to do, but if you force yourself to go through each piece and deal with it right then, the paperwork (at least memos, mail, etc.) will not be nearly as bad as when it gets piled up on the desk!
Emma - Michelle - you don't have a planning period at all?
silver - Me too, Marnie. I'm now using my plan book as a calendar but not helpful for personal life stuff.
Michelle - NO
Marty - What I'm realy stressed about is this new portfolio I have to have. I am told all teachers must have them too. even tendered ones?
Stanley - Emma, What does the tabbed section for memos used for?
Emma - Marnie - I use a weekly calendar and take it everywhere I go! It is glued to my person. The calendar is what will keep you together! :)
Marty - I too keep a calendar with me at all times, drs. app. school projects, meetings everything overlaps.
Emma - I keep a 3-ring binder that is my teacher binder. I organize it into different sections: Calendars and Schedules, Lesson Plans, Extra Masters, Memos. I file all memos received in this back section so that I can always reference it when I need one.
Michelle - what kind of portfolio?
marnie - I have a mentor this year, Silver. She has suggested I have one portable one, that I can write everything in. She also suggested that I put initials or code words for things I don't want the kids to know about. Hey Emma, that sounds like an even better idea
Emma - Michelle - what do you teach that you don't have a planning period and in what state? Is it a private or public school?
silver - My kids are good about respecting my personal property. So, I can keep it in plan sight.
Stanley - Emma, I understand now re the memos.
Michelle - I teach kindergarten in Ga...Offically I have a break 3 days a week, but it is always filled with behavior problems, etc..
Marty - It is a Preservice Portfolio now but it became state law, everyone graduating this past semester had to have one too My observing teacher just got in the mail that he must start one & he's been teaching for Masters plus 12 years!
silver - I teach in CA and we don't have a planning period. We plan afterschool, Michelle.
marnie - I find that it would save me a lot of time if I had my binders better organized. I currently have big binders "organized" according to subject area. I am always looking through the whole thing to find something. Any suggestions?
Emma - As far as keeping up with papers to grade, it is important not to burden yourself simply because you need to have grades. Meticulously grade and give specific feedback on those papers which are truly assessing student knowledge. Give students a participation grade on those assignments that were merely "busywork", extra practice, or because you needed a grade. This means: give them a check if they did it all, a check minus if they did most of it, a minus if they only did part of it, and a 0 if they didn't turn it in.
Marty - Emmaa I like the notebook idea.
Emma - So, silver, make sure that right after school ends, you go through your mail first and get that over with. Then you'll have time to grade, etc.
Stanley - Emma, I like those 4 "grading" options. Seems like if covers most every possibility.
silver - I have the toughest time, sitting down looking at student work becuase I'm preparing for the lessons that follow.
Emma - Also, I set aside one afternoon a week to plan for the next week. My planning day is Wednesday so that I can get my plans into my principal by Friday. I use a template on the computer so that all I have to do is fill in the information that changes each day (objectives, materials, specific activities, etc.)
marnie - I don't know if this will help anyone, but I have a silent reading period first block so that I can deal with notes, hot dog money etc...
Emma - It really helps to know what you are going to teach way in advance. I like to do an outline for the entire six weeks. I don't do detailed plans because things always happen to mess it up, but I do a simple outline of what I expect to teach.
Michelle - Aha! Lesson plans! another struggle of mine! I have tried to work it up on hte computer, but I have not quite got it right for me yet.
marnie - How specific do you do your lesson plans Emma. I think many people do them too detailed which takes a lot of time.
Jerry - I did my very first lesson plan yesterday ....
Michelle - I have just learned what my princal expects of lesson plans!
Stanley - Emma, I like the computerized planning template. What program is it in, or did you design your own? If the latter, any tips?
silver - I do that too, but mostly mentally, part of the problem. But I always find myself readjusting, especially my thematic units.
Michelle - How detailed are your objectives and assessments?
Emma - Make yourself a calendar for six weeks on a blank sheet. Then, date it and fill in any holidays, assembly days/times, field trips, etc. that are already scheduled so that you don't overbook the day. Next, fill in the boxes (ex: Mon - Nouns (intro), Tuesday - Proper Nouns, etc. for the entire six weeks. When I taught elementary, I did one calendar for each subject area. Now, when it is time to do your plans, your basic outline is there and all you have to do is fill in the details! :)
Michelle - I really like that idea!!!!!
silver - So, Emma what do you currently teach?
Emma - I usually make my lesson plans very detailed. The reason is not necessarily for me, but because I never know when I may have an emergency or may not be able to be there. If my plans are already detailed, my substitute will know exactly what to do. However, because I use a computer template, it usually only takes me an hour to do a week's worth of plans.
Emma - These and other ideas for lesson planning are also in my book, Survival Kit for New Teachers, if you are interested.
Stanley - *Nice* idea re the 6 wk planning calendar, Emma! :-)
Jerry - Emma, is this a template you created?
marnie - Like Stanley asked, where did you get the template Emma?
Emma - Silver, I currently teach all subjects to 7th graders.
Emma - Jerry - I have a template for my lesson plans, but I just make a calendar for 6 weeks and copy it for the entire year.
Emma - I made the template up myself.
Jerry - ...all subjects...wow...i will teach art K-12 someday...
Michelle - Emma, I bet you just got a bunch od e-mails! :)
Emma - I include: Objectives, Materials, and Procedures. Then I do my procedures according to times and write out detailed instructions for the activities. Ex: 8:00-8:15 -- Daily Oral Language - Students correct the sentence on the board on their own paper. At 8:12, choose 1 student to correct the sentence on the board for the class and discuss the answer.
Michelle - Where can I get the book?
Stanley - Emma, That's most gracious of you to send the template. I'm a sub, & I intend to get your Kit once I think I'm closer to a contract.
Emma - Michelle, you can log onto my web site, www.inspiringteachers.com and order it from there if you want, or you can get it off of Amazon.com as well
Emma - I find that lesson planning is often the hardest thing to do because it takes up so much time and if you don't plan ahead, then all of your time is spent planning which leaves you little time for anything else! :)
Marty - How can I get my Prof. to understand that I can't do lessons to a group of kids when we have all kids on a different level? I make a lesson plan for the one I tutor but that is all because I just help in the class otherwise, where ever the cooperating teacher wants me to work
marnie - I can't get in to e-mail you. Can you just type out your e-mail address Emma?
Emma - My e-mail address is emma@tenet.edu
Michelle - Thanks Emma! You are so kind! Sorry about the spelling ya'll!
Marty - I too want the book I think it will be very usefull in Sp, ED!
Emma - Marty - You can still create lesson plans for the entire class unless they are all in different grade levels. In that case, you do lesson outlines of what you expect to do with each student. Your professor may not truly understand your situation and may expect lesson plans as if you were teaching a regular class.
Michelle - Emma, you have been vert helpful. I have really enjoyed this. I must go now. Thank you! I will be visiting your website soon.
Marty - In the class we have about 15 kids comming in and out, K-4 only 3 are in same graade!
Emma - I also create Day of the Week folders to help organize my daily plans and handouts. I have one folder for each day of the week. At the end of the day before, I put my plans and all handouts in that particular folder and put it on the middle of my desk. This way I'll be ready for the next day (and so will my sub if I have one for some reason).
Emma - Marty - It sounds like you have more of a resource room than a specific class that is taught. Do you /your cooperating teacher decide what skills to work on each day, or do you let the regular classroom teacher make that decision?
Marty - I like the daily pan folder idea. Yes I am in a Sp. ED Resource room with B. D. and L. D students.
Stanley - Emma, What do you do with extra or leftover handouts? Do you save them for "next time?" If so, what's the trick?
Marty - The reg teacher decides what I teach or who I help as each child does different things when they come in, one I help with Math, another Spelling tests, another may be reading AR book to me.
Emma - Stanley, I usually keep one "Master" handout in my "Masters" section of my teacher binder so that I can get it if I need it. I also keep a Lesson Plans binder where I keep all of my plans, handouts, transparencies, etc. for the six weeks. I keep one copy of the handout there as well. I throw the rest away.
Emma - One thing, though...I have an absent folder for students who are absent. I assign another student to write down the Daily Warm ups, assignments, homework, etc. for the student, and also to put each handout in the folder. This way I don't have to worry about absent students not getting the handouts.
Stanley - Emma, Thanks! I didn't think there was a practical way to keep them, say, until next yr!
Emma - Marty, are you in your Senior student teaching?
Emma - Stanley, One way to not waste paper is to use the extra handouts as scratch paper for students when working math problems, solving brain teasers, brainstorming, etc. I keep it all in a box labeled "Scratch Paper"
Marty - No not yet I will be teaching after 3 semesters, I must go an extra because of the double major.
Stanley - I've seen the "absent" folder idea in some of the rooms where I've subbed. I think it makes a LOT of sense!
Emma - Okay, then most likely your professor is looking for lesson plans as if you were teaching a regular classroom. The reason is probably for you to get both practice and feedback on your lessons. When writing up a lesson plan for this professor, you might try thinking about how you would teach a class of special ed students who are all on the same grade level a particular subject such as Math or English.
Marty - Does subbing help a lot I havee\n't had time to do this because I am Mom to 2 ADHD teenagers & wife too plus a full time student, 17 hours this semester, 19 next!
Stanley - Emma, Do you ever use the extras as additional work for Ss who finish early? Or, would they reject that in case they'd already done it?
Emma - Yes, Stanley, it is very helpful. Otherwise I forget what that student missed. I make up an absent form for the students to use so that all they have to do is fill it out.
Emma - Stanley, no. I usually have brain teasers, logic puzzles, anagrams, think-a-grams, etc. for students to work on when they've finished their work. I like to work on their critical thinking skills. However, before a student can get a puzzle such as this, they must show me that they have finished their work completely and that it is done correctly.
Stanley - Emma, Why the form if you have an absent folder? Wouldn't the helper just put 1 of everything in the folder without the form?
Emma - Stanley - Students put this form on the front of the absent folder for students to copy down assignments, etc. Then the handouts go on the inside of the folder.
Stanley - Emma, Ooops - forgot about the assignments. Do you routinely require all missed work to be completed?
Emma - Stanley, yes, I always require missed work to be turned in. Students have the number of days they missed to turn in the work, so if they missed one day, they get one day to make it up.
Stanley - Emma, So if a S returns today, Thurs, he has until Fri to complete 1 day's missed work?
Emma - Good luck to all of you and I hope we'll see you at Beginning Teachers' Tool Box! www.inspiringteachers.com
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