Re: Running with the big dogs
Posted by Tom on 8/18/08
I agree with marjoryt that you should work whatever system you
choose -- all systems require that in the first place. You've got
to maintain consistency, be aware of (and hopefully control) your
own behavior and thoughts, and not expect "perfection"
immediately. BUT you should always be open to change, not just
holding on past the point of failure. The fine line is there, and
it's for the big dogs to decide when to cross it.(:-)
I also firmly believe that big dogs can and do create their own
systems -- even first year big dogs. All systems are subjectively
created, based on imagination and reasoning of the teacher -- and
are changed and adapted based on experiences in the classroom. And
many teachers eventually DO massage and change systems -- or
create their own -- as they see fit.
So, using your own sensibilities off the top and going into the
classroom with something you feel good about is not necessarily
something to be avoided. (Just because someone else came up with a
system doesn't mean it's sacrosanct. And just because you have
little experience doesn't mean the one you take into the classroom
is any better or worse than one already 'massaged.')
I think the important thing is that you feel good about it, and
can get behind it. If you can choose/create a system without
tearing your hair out, I say go for it.
Think about it -- some teachers have the kids create their own
systems -- different ones in every class! For you to do the
brainwork and find a good fit beforehand is doable ... if that
process works for you!
Cheers!
Tom
On 8/18/08, marjoryt wrote:
> Because you are new to the field, I'd recommend picking 1
> system and running with it. This is NOT the time to try
> blending systems; you're going to have enough problems just
> getting through the day.
>
> Also, realize that any system you do pick is going to feel
> uncomfortable for the first few weeks, as you try to remember
> what goes next, and you are continually reteaching (for
> students who forget and the new students coming in). DON'T
> CHANGE plan for at least the first month. If it seems like
> it's uncomfortable, work it harder; if it doesn't seem to work,
> work it harder.
>
> After a disasterous first year, I had to start a new year in a
> new job. I had been told to "get smart" on classroom
> management and picked the Wong system. Believe me, it did NOT
> feel good and I did feel pretty "false" the 2nd week. I sat
> down and analyzed what did work well (all Harry Wong procedures
> that I did naturally). Then, I looked at what didn't work -
> and those were all areas that I didn't work the Wong system.
> For the 3rd week, I really pushed myself to use the Wong
> system, and enjoyed success. The more successful my students,
> the fewer discipline referrals (this was an alternative school
> and ALL students were discipline referrals). By the end of the
> 2nd month, everything was automatic.
> By the end of my 2nd year, I felt comfortable enough to begin
> tweaking to fit specific classes.
>
> So, step back and look at the various systems, then commit to
> one and work it for everything you've got.
>
> As far as the other teachers, you are the new kid on the block -
> they won't listen to you. Smile at everyone, shut the door,
> and run your own classroom.
Posts on this thread, including this one
- lions, tigers and bears....oh my!!, 8/17/08, by sherill.
- Re: lions, tigers and bears....oh my!!, 8/17/08, by Tom.
- Re: It's time to jump off the porch and run with the big dogs, 8/18/08, by marjoryt.
- Re: Running with the big dogs, 8/18/08, by Tom.
- Re: some dogs go back to the porch, 8/18/08, by marjoryt.
- Re: Some dogs wag their tails, 8/18/08, by Tom.
- Re: great advice from tom and marjoryt, and also..., 8/19/08, by ~connie.
- Re: lions, tigers and bears....oh my!!, 8/21/08, by sherill.
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