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Beginning Teachers Chatboard

desperation as a new teacher

by mrsL

Feb 2, 2013

Hello, I am a first year teacher, teaching in an impoverished county at a little school with 3 grades per classroom. I am the middle school teacher (grades 6, 7, 8) and teach all three grades all subjects. We are half-way through the school year and I am feeling rundown and near despair. I have at least two students (two really serious ones)that are so unmotivated and disruptive that it is absolutely ruining this first year of teaching for me and effecting the other students with their negativity. The two students' grades are not good and they blame everyone and everything and accept no responsibility for not turning in homework and even classwork. Their comments incite a couple of other students to call school "stupid" and say "I hate this place" and so on. I know as the teacher it is my job to motivate them and reach them. It is my job to maintaine classroom control and to curtail the behavior and somehow keep everyone on-task and motivated. Excuse me for whining. I also have (as all...See More

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The goal is The goal is to somehow get the students to somehow buy into what you are doing. I agree with the previous poster on that. In an ideal world teachers COULD just send out the slackers, but how many teachers live in that world? We all know that many kids see no reason to invest any effort into school, but we all know that you as the teacher are likely...See MoreThe goal is to somehow get the students to somehow buy into what you are doing. I agree with the previous poster on that. In an ideal world teachers COULD just send out the slackers, but how many teachers live in that world? We all know that many kids see no reason to invest any effort into school, but we all know that you as the teacher are likely to be held accountable for that. So, trying to increase student engagement by incorporating videos, word games, learning games (Jeopardy in teams), skits, etc., is one of your few options, IMHO. Dr. Fred Jones has some PAT (Preferred Activity Time) activities on his web site, and explains how to use them as an incentive for staying on task. Good luck to you!

On 2/05/13, But riddles and contrived, "everyday things" quizzes wrote: > can't possibly be on the middle school content standards. I'd > have to vote against dumbing down the class just to give unruly > children fake "success" answering no-brainer questions. That's > just a waste of everybody's time. The kids who are working at > grade level will just get bored and resentful, and the kids who > are far below grade level don't have time to waste on bogus > classroom activities. > > Also not buying the generalities about children from impoverished > homes. "Broke" is not a synonym for "retarded." Poor kids can be > just as bright, capable, and attentive as other kids; there's > absolutely no reason to lower the achievement bar just because the > students come from poor families. They don't need pity, charity > grades, dumb-dumb assignments, or teachers who believe that poor > kids are automatically doomed to failure in school. > > > On 2/05/13, Sara wrote: >> On 2/02/13, mrsL wrote: Teaching can heavily impact on many of >> the preconceived notions we had about being a teacher... >> >> It is difficult for children from impoverished homes to feel >> hopeful about their futures or about school. Some of these >> children and I suspect your two troublemakers will have >> learning differences of significance. Often they read poorly, >> have short attention spans and overall just don't get much out >> of school. If you think about it, school is often a process of >> handing out work, collecting the work and handing out more >> work. That might be especially true if you have to teach all >> subjects to three grades and in one room. >> >> First, I'd say - don't give homework. Others will disagree >> with me but over my 25 years of teaching I've found homework >> really doesn't help and it can hurt the relationship you have >> with your students. You assign it, they don't do it and then - >> what? A fight ensues, you make deals and bargains and threats >> and the reality is - some kids can't, don't, won't do >> homework. It doesn't matter if it's can't, don't or won't - >> the end result is you only alienate them further. >> >> I'd try hard to find a morning activity that's for everyone. >> Something to try to bind the group together. Do a read aloud - >> if you're a good aloud reader. Or ask them to tell a joke - >> appropriate of course. Or find a website with riddles and do a >> riddle every morning. I hesitate to ask if you have a computer >> in the classroom - if you do - show a 'livecam' somewhere in >> the world every morning and find the place on a map. Or - >> check out what holiday it is because every day is a holiday >> somewhere in the world and there are good websites that will >> tell you what holiday it is and find that country on the map. >> >> Students especially in 6th, 7th and 8th grade are not good at >> accepting responsibility and if you think about our country... >> we have corporate presidents and a president or two who don't >> accept responsibility for their actions. It's becoming an >> American trait - these two students of yours have a lot of >> company in that regard. You're not going to rebuild Rome in a >> day. >> >> Try to give yourself and them a break every day - what do you >> like to do? I like to listen to music and any kind of music. >> Give 5-10 minutes every day to listening to music - let them >> bring some in if they have it. Bring a radio in if they don't. >> Listen to the lyrics (appropriate of course) - it's a language >> exercise and a valid one. If you have a computer, you can play >> a new instrument every day and have them guess what it is. You >> can play a different country's national anthem every day and >> mark that country on a map. >> >> Textbooks are useless - I never use them. Kids can't read them >> because the sentences are so long and stilted. You need to get >> through this year- I'd say forget about the different grades >> except in math and teach everyone together. >> >> Do you need just books? I'd be happy to do a book drive for >> you at my school and send you the books we collect. I'd do a >> read aloud every day and try for silent reading every day. >> Read a poem every day and let them vote on whether they like >> it or not. >> >> If the two kids who are ruining everything cound achieve some >> success, they might get better - contrive some success for >> them. Give a 'quiz' in 'Everyday Things' and call it a >> critical thinking exercise. "What's the most important tool in >> the house? In the yard?" >> "If you end up on a desert island, what three things do you >> want to have with you?" Praise them for their answers if >> they're remotely good. >> >> there's nothing wrong with videos - youtube has thousands of >> goods ones. >> >> You'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar, I mean the >> book offer, post back if you want to take me up on it. ( I >> teach in a small special needs school for kids on the spectrum >> but some of our families are affluent) >>>

Feb 6, 2013

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mrsL Thank you for your posts. I am thankful for the advice and will use it! I was having a particularly bad day on the day I made my original post; I feel quite a bit better now. Thank you all!

On 2/06/13, The goal is wrote: > The goal is to somehow get the students to somehow buy into what you > are doing. I agree with the previous po...See MoreThank you for your posts. I am thankful for the advice and will use it! I was having a particularly bad day on the day I made my original post; I feel quite a bit better now. Thank you all!

On 2/06/13, The goal is wrote: > The goal is to somehow get the students to somehow buy into what you > are doing. I agree with the previous poster on that. In an ideal > world teachers COULD just send out the slackers, but how many > teachers live in that world? We all know that many kids see no > reason to invest any effort into school, but we all know that you as > the teacher are likely to be held accountable for that. So, trying > to increase student engagement by incorporating videos, word games, > learning games (Jeopardy in teams), skits, etc., is one of your few > options, IMHO. Dr. Fred Jones has some PAT (Preferred Activity Time) > activities on his web site, and explains how to use them as an > incentive for staying on task. Good luck to you! > > > On 2/05/13, But riddles and contrived, "everyday things" quizzes > wrote: >> can't possibly be on the middle school content standards. I'd >> have to vote against dumbing down the class just to give unruly >> children fake "success" answering no-brainer questions. That's >> just a waste of everybody's time. The kids who are working at >> grade level will just get bored and resentful, and the kids who >> are far below grade level don't have time to waste on bogus >> classroom activities. >> >> Also not buying the generalities about children from impoverished >> homes. "Broke" is not a synonym for "retarded." Poor kids can be >> just as bright, capable, and attentive as other kids; there's >> absolutely no reason to lower the achievement bar just because the >> students come from poor families. They don't need pity, charity >> grades, dumb-dumb assignments, or teachers who believe that poor >> kids are automatically doomed to failure in school. >> >> >> On 2/05/13, Sara wrote: >>> On 2/02/13, mrsL wrote: Teaching can heavily impact on many of >>> the preconceived notions we had about being a teacher... >>> >>> It is difficult for children from impoverished homes to feel >>> hopeful about their futures or about school. Some of these >>> children and I suspect your two troublemakers will have >>> learning differences of significance. Often they read poorly, >>> have short attention spans and overall just don't get much out >>> of school. If you think about it, school is often a process of >>> handing out work, collecting the work and handing out more >>> work. That might be especially true if you have to teach all >>> subjects to three grades and in one room. >>> >>> First, I'd say - don't give homework. Others will disagree >>> with me but over my 25 years of teaching I've found homework >>> really doesn't help and it can hurt the relationship you have >>> with your students. You assign it, they don't do it and then - >>> what? A fight ensues, you make deals and bargains and threats >>> and the reality is - some kids can't, don't, won't do >>> homework. It doesn't matter if it's can't, don't or won't - >>> the end result is you only alienate them further. >>> >>> I'd try hard to find a morning activity that's for everyone. >>> Something to try to bind the group together. Do a read aloud - >>> if you're a good aloud reader. Or ask them to tell a joke - >>> appropriate of course. Or find a website with riddles and do a >>> riddle every morning. I hesitate to ask if you have a computer >>> in the classroom - if you do - show a 'livecam' somewhere in >>> the world every morning and find the place on a map. Or - >>> check out what holiday it is because every day is a holiday >>> somewhere in the world and there are good websites that will >>> tell you what holiday it is and find that country on the map. >>> >>> Students especially in 6th, 7th and 8th grade are not good at >>> accepting responsibility and if you think about our country... >>> we have corporate presidents and a president or two who don't >>> accept responsibility for their actions. It's becoming an >>> American trait - these two students of yours have a lot of >>> company in that regard. You're not going to rebuild Rome in a >>> day. >>> >>> Try to give yourself and them a break every day - what do you >>> like to do? I like to listen to music and any kind of music. >>> Give 5-10 minutes every day to listening to music - let them >>> bring some in if they have it. Bring a radio in if they don't. >>> Listen to the lyrics (appropriate of course) - it's a language >>> exercise and a valid one. If you have a computer, you can play >>> a new instrument every day and have them guess what it is. You >>> can play a different country's national anthem every day and >>> mark that country on a map. >>> >>> Textbooks are useless - I never use them. Kids can't read them >>> because the sentences are so long and stilted. You need to get >>> through this year- I'd say forget about the different grades >>> except in math and teach everyone together. >>> >>> Do you need just books? I'd be happy to do a book drive for >>> you at my school and send you the books we collect. I'd do a >>> read aloud every day and try for silent reading every day. >>> Read a poem every day and let them vote on whether they like >>> it or not. >>> >>> If the two kids who are ruining everything cound achieve some >>> success, they might get better - contrive some success for >>> them. Give a 'quiz' in 'Everyday Things' and call it a >>> critical thinking exercise. "What's the most important tool in >>> the house? In the yard?" >>> "If you end up on a desert island, what three things do you >>> want to have with you?" Praise them for their answers if >>> they're remotely good. >>> >>> there's nothing wrong with videos - youtube has thousands of >>> goods ones. >>> >>> You'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar, I mean the >>> book offer, post back if you want to take me up on it. ( I >>> teach in a small special needs school for kids on the spectrum >>> but some of our families are affluent) >>>>

Feb 6, 2013

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Jonna Here's the thing with those unmotivated kids in the back of the classroom, the ones who refuse to do their work and complain that school is stupid or whatever.

School is a place where their talents and interests aren't valued. School is a place where they are told every day that they are dumb. Oh, nobody comes out and says it, of course, b...See MoreHere's the thing with those unmotivated kids in the back of the classroom, the ones who refuse to do their work and complain that school is stupid or whatever.

School is a place where their talents and interests aren't valued. School is a place where they are told every day that they are dumb. Oh, nobody comes out and says it, of course, but it starts with the low reading group in first grade, and the extra parent-teacher conferences, and the way other students do everything try to keep them out of group projects. Who wouldn't hate school after six or eight years of that?

Unfortunately for many low-achieving kids (especially boys), by middle school that dumb feeling is entrenched and intractable. Better that people think they don't care than people think they are dumb.

The only way I've ever been able to crack this mindset is by inviting the kiddo in for a conference. I try to have it in an office instead of in the classroom. I usually start by saying, "Joe, I've just had a look at your test scores, and you are really really smart, especially in (whatever his highest scores are in). I've talked to Principal Smith, and I think you are an excellent candidate for ________ (possiblities: math competitions, debate team, science fair, etc.) In fact if you are willing to put in the time, I think you have the raw material to win districts. Is this something you have ever thought about?"

Now of course he hasn't, and it may be that his failure mindset is so entrenched that you can't break through. But what a flattering thing to hear-- especially from a teacher who you've disrespected in the past! No matter what happens, I guarantee you that kid will respect you and work harder for you than he has in the past.

And there is always the possibility that you will kindle a fire under that kid that no one knew was there. Maybe he will join the debate team, or work up a science fair project, or whatever.

You can use this approach no matter what the kid's test scores look like. You won't be lying. EVERYBODY is very very smart and everybody has the potential to do great things if they practice enough. And especially if they know they have a teacher behind them who believes they are smart.

Feb 16, 2013

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Li Hi

I am sorry for your experience and desperate feelings. I can totally understand your situation. First of all, as a first- year teacher, everything will be challenging. You need to know your students, design lesson plans, get familiar with school routines and culture. I think every first year teacher will feel overwhelming at first. But...See MoreHi

I am sorry for your experience and desperate feelings. I can totally understand your situation. First of all, as a first- year teacher, everything will be challenging. You need to know your students, design lesson plans, get familiar with school routines and culture. I think every first year teacher will feel overwhelming at first. But everything will be fine with time passes by. Second of all, the economy condition of county and the community will make things even harder. Students may feel hopeless and rebellious because of the negative effects from family and community. Third of all, it is really hard to teach three levels in one classroom!! It is so diverse and you must have a lot of work. Finally, your family situation make you feel life is too hard for you.

However, don't feel too negative. It is a good sign for you to ask for help and tell people about your problems! I have some suggestions for you though I am still a teacher candidate right now and I know that sometimes things will be easy to say than to do. But you may still have a try.

1. Try to reset classroom rules and stress the importance of respect. Try to use more positive stimulus instead of negative ones. This is what my mentor teacher told me. For problematic students, they may have already get used to negative information and punishment. Sometimes, care, understanding and rewards may surprise them. I am not sure it will work. You can have a try.

2. Try to know interests of those two problem students and have something they like to learn and do and have them busy doing things instead of bothering you and other students. Or ask them to manage the classroom with you. Try to let them understand your situation when you have to face a classroom full of noices. Or even try to ask them to have a mini teaching experiment.

3. Let students know more about you and your life. Try to get their understanding and care. You may tell them more things about your son.

Anyway, hope my suggestions can help you. Hope you will feel much better. Life is short, try to make every day meaningful and happy. Try to live for yourself! Be positive and Happy! You can do it! Everything will be fine!

Best

Li

On 2/02/13, mrsL wrote: > Hello, I am a first year teacher, teaching in an > impoverished county at a little school with 3 grades per > classroom. I am the middle school teacher (grades 6, 7, > 8) and teach all three grades all subjects. > We are half-way through the school year and I am feeling > rundown and near despair. I have at least two students > (two really serious ones)that are so unmotivated and > disruptive that it is absolutely ruining this first year of > teaching for me and effecting the other students with their > negativity. The two students' grades are not good and they > blame everyone and everything and accept no responsibility > for not turning in homework and even classwork. Their > comments incite a couple of other students to call > school "stupid" and say "I hate this place" and so on. I > know as the teacher it is my job to motivate them and reach > them. It is my job to maintaine classroom control and to > curtail the behavior and somehow keep everyone on-task and > motivated. Excuse me for whining. I also have (as all > teachers do) a wide range of ability levels in my room and > trying to manage the ability levels, the 3 grades, the > behavioral problems and lack of textbooks, etc (due to low > funding) is really wearing me down. I still have half the > year to go and feel desperate. I would like to add that I > have a family of my own and one of my sons has aspergers. > I guess I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment. > > Signed, > Needing motivation of my own.....

Feb 27, 2013

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Mrs L Thank you, Li. Your advice is good advice. Since my posting, I have had a little better attitude. I think whining about my situation helped. I do have one of the "problem" students working on an individual research project that he chose the topic for and he seems to be getting into it. The other student I'm still trying to figure out, but one thing...See MoreThank you, Li. Your advice is good advice. Since my posting, I have had a little better attitude. I think whining about my situation helped. I do have one of the "problem" students working on an individual research project that he chose the topic for and he seems to be getting into it. The other student I'm still trying to figure out, but one thing I have been doing is standing right by him and encouraging him and helping him complete his assignments. This way, at least he is turing in some work now. I'm still hearing how much they hate school and how "stupid" everything is, but I'm just ignoring that. Things are looking better and I know it will be better next year since I will have this experience behind me and I AM learning from it. Thanks again.

On 2/27/13, Li wrote: > Hi > > I am sorry for your experience and desperate feelings. I can > totally understand your situation. First of all, as a first- > year teacher, everything will be challenging. You need to know > your students, design lesson plans, get familiar with school > routines and culture. I think every first year teacher will > feel overwhelming at first. But everything will be fine with > time passes by. Second of all, the economy condition of county > and the community will make things even harder. Students may > feel hopeless and rebellious because of the negative effects > from family and community. Third of all, it is really hard to > teach three levels in one classroom!! It is so diverse and you > must have a lot of work. Finally, your family situation make > you feel life is too hard for you. > > However, don't feel too negative. It is a good sign for you to > ask for help and tell people about your problems! I have some > suggestions for you though I am still a teacher candidate > right now and I know that sometimes things will be easy to say > than to do. But you may still have a try. > > 1. Try to reset classroom rules and stress the importance of > respect. Try to use more positive stimulus instead of negative > ones. This is what my mentor teacher told me. For problematic > students, they may have already get used to negative > information and punishment. Sometimes, care, understanding and > rewards may surprise them. I am not sure it will work. You can > have a try. > > 2. Try to know interests of those two problem students and > have something they like to learn and do and have them busy > doing things instead of bothering you and other students. Or > ask them to manage the classroom with you. Try to let them > understand your situation when you have to face a classroom > full of noices. Or even try to ask them to have a mini > teaching experiment. > > 3. Let students know more about you and your life. Try to get > their understanding and care. You may tell them more things > about your son. > > Anyway, hope my suggestions can help you. Hope you will feel > much better. Life is short, try to make every day meaningful > and happy. Try to live for yourself! Be positive and Happy! > You can do it! Everything will be fine! > > Best > > Li > > On 2/02/13, mrsL wrote: >> Hello, I am a first year teacher, teaching in an >> impoverished county at a little school with 3 grades per >> classroom. I am the middle school teacher (grades 6, 7, >> 8) and teach all three grades all subjects. >> We are half-way through the school year and I am feeling >> rundown and near despair. I have at least two students >> (two really serious ones)that are so unmotivated and >> disruptive that it is absolutely ruining this first year of >> teaching for me and effecting the other students with their >> negativity. The two students' grades are not good and they >> blame everyone and everything and accept no responsibility >> for not turning in homework and even classwork. Their >> comments incite a couple of other students to call >> school "stupid" and say "I hate this place" and so on. I >> know as the teacher it is my job to motivate them and reach >> them. It is my job to maintaine classroom control and to >> curtail the behavior and somehow keep everyone on-task and >> motivated. Excuse me for whining. I also have (as all >> teachers do) a wide range of ability levels in my room and >> trying to manage the ability levels, the 3 grades, the >> behavioral problems and lack of textbooks, etc (due to low >> funding) is really wearing me down. I still have half the >> year to go and feel desperate. I would like to add that I >> have a family of my own and one of my sons has aspergers. >> I guess I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment. >> >> Signed, >> Needing motivation of my own.....

Feb 28, 2013

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