Classroom Management Chatboard

In order to achieve classroom management, you must first have a strong rapport with your students. You then must identify 4 (at most) concrete rules you and your students must follow (they should be general "Respect," because that can be applied to any situation). You need to be stern, but allow input from students (something many teachers/administ...See More

Classroom Mgmt

by Patricia Sorrentino

Mar 19, 2013

(8)

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Beth I agree that one of the most important classroom rules is respect. Everything can be applied back to respect, respecting your self, respecting your teacher, respecting your work. I also agree that it is so important have a positive rapport with students. They need to trust you and you need to trust and believe in them.

On 3/19/13, Patricia...See More

Jul 23, 2013

Daren On 7/23/13, Beth wrote: l

> I agree that one of the most important classroom rules is

> respect. Everything can be applied back to respect,

> respecting your self, respecting your teacher, respecting your

> work. I also agree that it is so important have a positive

> rapport with stude...See More

Jul 28, 2013

4 Ways to Manage Behavor

by By Betsy Weigle in Teachers.Net Gazette

Apr 25, 2013

Don't wear yourself out with classroom management challenges. Students learn more effectively when you get classroom management right; kids benefit, and teaching won’t wear you out. There are four different models used by teachers. Click below to learn about the 4 ways to manage student behavior.

Is there any way to turn this situation around???

by nr

Apr 26, 2013

Hi-

I am covering a long-term sub assignment at an inner city high school in NYC teaching math. I have 3 statistics classes (elective w/mostly seniors), and 2 Integrated Algebra Regents Prep courses for students who passed the class last year but not the Regents. The regular teacher had been gone for two months before I got there, w/a seri...See More

(3)

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Sara On 4/26/13, nr wrote: > Hi- > you need to talk to your building colleagues. There's no shame in that and they will be your best source of information.

> I am covering a long-term sub assignment at an inner city > high school in NYC teaching math. I have 3 statistics > classes (elective w/mostly seniors), and 2 Integrated &g...See More

Apr 27, 2013

comment to mike Mike, Your suggestions may be good as far as they go, but are you aware that they all involve negative consequences? Kids also need the other half of the equation which is positive motivation, a reason to care about school, a reason to make an iota of effort.

On 4/27/13, MikeR wrote: > I am a first year teacher at a high school with a ...See MoreMike, Your suggestions may be good as far as they go, but are you aware that they all involve negative consequences? Kids also need the other half of the equation which is positive motivation, a reason to care about school, a reason to make an iota of effort.

On 4/27/13, MikeR wrote: > I am a first year teacher at a high school with a large > population of at-risk youth. How is the front office as far as > discipline? Will they be of help to you if you start > escalating the most troublesome cases? > > My school is good about placing students into in-school > suspension for a day or two if they've accumulated a history. > I told my students one day recently that they needed to be > using class time properly and that if they did absolutely > nothing then they would be required to make up the time > (detention). Some of the students responded to this, but I had > about 5 in each of the two classes where I had this problem who > did not change their behavior. > > I followed through and issued detentions for the equivalent of > one class period. Most of them took notice and started > working. I still have to remind them about this, because they > tend to revert back to their bad work habits. > > I asked about the office situation for a reason. Some of my > students slyly asked me whether this was coming from me or the > front office. I told them it came from me, but that if they > chose not to serve the detentions, then I would simply convert > the detentions into office referrals. A couple even asked > about what that would mean. I told them that the assistant > principal would see the previous unserved detention and that it > wouldn't go well for them. > > You might also consider rearranging your layout if needed to > promote easier access for use of proximity. This has been my > greatest tool by far. No one wants the teacher hovering over > their shoulder for very long. In addition to layout, if you > know who the buddies are, then I'd separate them out. > > I'm also going to guess that cell phones/music players are a > part of this equation. If so, then I'd start taking them up as > needed. I usually just return them to the students at the end > of the period. I tell them that they must comply with what I'm > asking (getting to work) to keep the devices from going to the > office. > > I hope that you solve your dilemma!

Apr 30, 2013

Do Teachers Contribute to End-of-Year Syndrome?

by Teachers.Net Gazette

May 1, 2013

Schools are preparing for summer breaks and teachers are lamenting that students have become more active, less attentive, and more difficult to motivate. Teachers.Net asked educators to respond to the question, “Do teachers contribute to students’ end of year syndrome?”

JennCab I never considered that. I think teachers like students probably get a touch of end of year syndrome. I don't think teachers initially would contribute to it but I think there is some human nature that may subconsciously feed end of year syndrome.

On 5/01/13, Teachers.Net Gazette wrote: > Schools are preparing for summer breaks and teac...See More

Jun 8, 2013

6:1:1 k-2 autistic

by Steve

Jun 7, 2013

Hi,

I am going to be placed in a 6:1:1 k-2 autistic (verbal and nonverbal) class in the summer. Any suggestions on a good behavior plan for the class. I was researching this topic and I heard the stoplight behavior system is ok. Any other ideas will be a great help. Any suggestions?

Steve

Sara On 6/07/13, Steve wrote: > Hi, > > I am going to be placed in a 6:1:1 k-2 autistic (verbal and > nonverbal) class in the summer. Any suggestions on a good > behavior plan for the class. I was researching this topic > and I heard the stoplight behavior system is ok. Any other > ideas will be a great help. Any suggestions? > &...See More

Jun 19, 2013

Burnt Out! Suggestions appreciated!1

by anon for now

Jun 18, 2013

I have been teaching for 12 years, the last 9 years in my current school district. It is a small rural school Prek- 12, where my 2 kids attend as well. When I first started there 9 years ago, the school and staff were a family. We enjoyed each other. We all worked together for a common goal. I felt like I was a part of something. I had a great prin...See MoreI have been teaching for 12 years, the last 9 years in my current school district. It is a small rural school Prek- 12, where my 2 kids attend as well. When I first started there 9 years ago, the school and staff were a family. We enjoyed each other. We all worked together for a common goal. I felt like I was a part of something. I had a great principal that was great with the kids and staff. I was proud to be a teacher working there.

In the last 4 years, that principal moved to another district where he is a superintendent.

One of our elementary teachers and one of our secondary teachers, who had their principal certification, were hired. Our superintendent, who had been very-hands-on and was the backbone of our school, is gone most of the time (he went to England on vacation with his family in April for 4 weeks!!!). We are just there to do all the drudge work----and babysit kids.

These two principals don't motivate, compliment, make appearances in the classrooms, etc. We have no support. Just emails to us when stuff needs to be turned in or to gripe at us.

We only get a conference period every other day. Only 30 min for lunch. And sometimes due to having extracurricular duties with secondary students, I get no lunch. Those days without a break from the kids or to go to the bathroom are the hardest. No downtime!!!

I don't get home till around 6 pm. I am zapped by then and don't have much energy for my two kids and husband. We have someone who comes weekly to clean our house. I am lucky to find the time to pay the bills and wash clothes.

One of the veteran teachers and her sister in law who has only been there 3 years takes over everything and doesn't ask for any input from the rest of us in elementary .They look for every opportunity to make cutting remarks and talk behind your back to parents of students. Then they sit back and watch it all unfold. In the meantime, the superintendent when he is there, sends out emails or compliments the two of them in staff meetings-----never to any of the rest of us. Its like we don't matter or exist!

Any of the field trips or activities that are planned throughout the school year are done by these two. They have taken all of the extra duties, the easy ones that don't take alot of extra time. The rest of us have the year-long duties. I have talked to the principal about letting me switch duties to lighten my load, she won't do it.

I had both of my parents die this last year and am the executor of their estate. My dad was killed in a motorcycle accident (that wasn't his fault) and we have the court case coming up for the guy that did this.

This past year was complete survival mode. My doctor says my labwork is showing signs of stress and if I don't cut out the stress, it could result in health problems.

I am planning on taking time out of teaching. I enjoy teaching but it is more than I can handle right now. I am planning on giving my resignation this Tuesday. I need time to get things back on track and calmed down. Thankfully my husband has a good job right now where I can do this.

I am even considering another career path. Something part- time would be ideal. That I could do from home. Making visits to schools in our surrounding area would be ideal. No substitute teaching!!! I am thinking Jostens or something along those lines Does anyone have any suggestions??? I am self-motivated, creative and responsible. I work well on my own.

Your comments and suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you ahead of time.

Sara On 6/18/13, anon for now wrote:

Schools change and they can change for the worse and it's very sad when they do. I worked at a dream school and then watched it deteriorate under new leadership - who's at the top can make a huge difference for better or worse.

Are your two children still in the district? I stuck it out until my ch...See MoreOn 6/18/13, anon for now wrote:

Schools change and they can change for the worse and it's very sad when they do. I worked at a dream school and then watched it deteriorate under new leadership - who's at the top can make a huge difference for better or worse.

Are your two children still in the district? I stuck it out until my children graduated. My kids liked having me there and it gave me an opportunity to keep a better eye on the education my own children were getting. But it was hard sticking it out and I did it for my kids.

I had to learn to close my classroom door and teach and put everything outside the door out of my mind. I liked having a reason not to go to lunch - none of us had anything positive to say anymore and lunch was a gripe session that made no one feel good about all the bad things.

I took my compliments from the students and their families - the worse the school got, the more my students and their families appreciated my efforts. And while my own children were in the district, I felt I didn't have the choice to leave and -we needed the money to save for their college.

Stress does cause healthwork though I don't know of labwork that confirms such things. It usually shows up in our emotional health and our looks - we looked stress. Exercise is the best cure for stress - even 15-20 minutes of it - but many people turn to anti-stress medicines and there are several of those.

But the wonderful reality is that you have a choice! Your decision to leave given everything that's going on is understandable. Have you considered on-line education? If you want to work part-time from home, there are online opportunities. SmartThinking for one - SmartThinking editors/tutors edit/correct student papers - SmartThinking is a company whose services are used by many community colleges and teachers can work from home editing student papers for SmartThinking. You can find them online.

> > > > > >

> > > This past year was complete survival mode. My doctor says > my labwork is showing signs of stress and if I don't cut > out the stress, it could result in health problems. > > > > I am planning on taking time out of teaching. I enjoy > teaching but it is more than I can handle right now. I am > planning on giving my resignation this Tuesday. I need time > to get things back on track and calmed down. Thankfully my > husband has a good job right now where I can do this. > > > > I am even considering another career path. Something part- > time would be ideal. That I could do from home. Making > visits to schools in our surrounding area would be ideal. > No substitute teaching!!! I am thinking Jostens or > something along those lines Does anyone have any > suggestions??? I am self-motivated, creative and > responsible. I work well on my own. > > > > Your comments and suggestions would be appreciated. Thank > you ahead of time. >

Jun 19, 2013

Lessons Taught Through Fear

by Susan Fitzell in Teachers.Net Gazette

Jul 11, 2013

His face was two inches from mine. He was screaming at the top of his lungs. His words bit into my being and stung without remorse... I was told I had a weak mind. It went on for an hour and a half. I considered walking out, but that wasn’t my style. I would meet the challenge. I would not break. My voice might waver, but I would stand strong. An...See More

Brett I thought this was a terrific article. This opinion piece is one I agree with, and learned quite a bit about during my PBIS training. It is interesting how the tide is shifting towards more positive behavioral interventions. We are going from schools that list rules such as "No running in the hallways, no calling out during lessons, no standing on ...See More

Jul 21, 2013

I am saddened by the decline in everyday politeness and common courtesies students exhibited over the past few years. Manners are guidelines for helping us get along with others and a way of showing respectful behavior. For me, manners matter. They affect how we speak and how we act in different situations; they impact the people around us and our ...See More

Manners

by Marcy

Jul 19, 2013

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Beth I am a school social worker in an elementary school and I often hear teacher aides/assistants talk about the lack of manners that students have. I feel like we need to work on it on both sides. Students may need our help in the social skills/manners area. We don't know what they are always being taught at home, who they are living with, and what th...See More

Jul 23, 2013

Kerry in BC For many years I have successfully used a discipline approach (Discipline without Stress, Punishments or Rewards by Marvin Marshall) that's very respectful.

It relies on the concept that things like manners can be deliberately TAUGHT to students as other procedures are taught. Often teachers simply assume that students are taught manners ...See More

Jul 27, 2013

Whole Class Behavior Plan

by Melissa

Jul 22, 2013

I teach kindergarten and believe the whole positive reinforcement train of thought but do sometimes think that consequences are necessary. I used to use a color chart that hung in my classroom where every child had a clothespin with their name on it and there are 6 color options. Everyone starts on Good Day Green and can move up to outstanding oran...See More

Vet Teacher On 7/22/13, Melissa wrote:

I was a psychology major long ago. If this system was truly beneficial in the sense of modifying their behavior, then at some point - the clips and colors would barely be necessary. Behavior modification isn't wanted as a temporary thing - its goal is to have the children get to a point where - for the most poin...See MoreOn 7/22/13, Melissa wrote:

I was a psychology major long ago. If this system was truly beneficial in the sense of modifying their behavior, then at some point - the clips and colors would barely be necessary. Behavior modification isn't wanted as a temporary thing - its goal is to have the children get to a point where - for the most point - their behavior is within the accepted parameters. Of course there are exceptions when Tommy trips and thinks Jimmy did it and Tommy yells at Jimmy but - behavior modification means to modify their behavior - through a system - that puts them on a fairly even behavioral keel.

Does yours do that? It sounds as if it doesn't if the clips are moving up and down through the day and - through the year. You say the movement of clips is 'constant'. To me that sounds as if all the clips are doing is recording their behavior - not modifying it. A real working and effective system of behavior modification - or behavior control - shouldn't result in 'constant' movement of the clips - a truly effective system doesn't result in 'constant' behavioral changes.

Do you move the clips or do they? It also sounds to me like the system you have now is a fair bit of work.

Grading kids - giving them As, Bs, etc. is now by law a private matter. No one is allowed to see a child's grades but the family - unless the family gives written permission. An individual test score is not private but the privacy of all report card information is protected by law.

The color clips likely make your administration uncomfortable for that reason even if they're saying something else. Giving a child a 'red' is a kind of grade, a behavioral grade. The color clips risk a privacy issue. No school needs another lawsuit.

I use my disappointment as a consequence. My parents used it with me and it was very effective. What did your parents do? I doubt they had color clips. I wanted my parents' approval - most K kids badly want their teacher's approval.

Are you the only K teacher in your building? What do other K teachers in your community do? Every community and every school is different. My voice tells my kids as a class or tells individual kids that their behavior is not acceptable. I redirect them with my voice and words. I'd be surprised to meet K kids (do you teach in a very tough school?) who would not respond to your disappointment and disapproval as a consequence. I'd be surprised if color clips mean more to children than you do.

I'm not a teacher who thinks the color clips demeans or embarrasses the kids so much. I think it demeans me and my relationship with the class. Kids can tell from my face and its expression (which I sometimes exaggerate when I teach K) if their behavior is meeting the needs of our class. We need a certain amount of order in a classroom - we're a group of people and we don't want things to be unsafe or too unorderly.

That you have 22 plus kids to me would mean all the more that you don't have extra time and that you need to respond to things as they happen. I do and I do that with my voice and my face and the words I use. I don't suppose it's a system but it's a very effective tool and not one that makes any parents or principals uncomfortable and but for isolated incidents like Tommy tripping over Jimmy's bookbag and getting mad etc. it's a method that works to put them on a fairly even keel.

Maybe it's a bit like Ceasar Milan - you need to be the pack leader. I'd say stand tall, take charge with your voice, your stance, your facial expressions and keep them in line with those tools as well. Overall it's much more dignified for you and the kids both than the color clips.

But every school is different, every community is different. I'd say again your best and most pertinent advice comes from others in your building or community.

> I teach kindergarten and believe the whole positive > reinforcement train of thought but do sometimes think that > consequences are necessary. I used to use a color chart > that hung in my classroom where every child had a clothespin > with their name on it and there are 6 color options. > Everyone starts on Good Day Green and can move up to > outstanding orange and perfect purple for making good > choices. They could move down to warning white, yikes > yellow or rough day red if they make choices that are not so > good. The movement of clips was constant so children were > not stuck on the lower colors. I really found it to be > beneficial but was told by administration that it was not to > be used anymore because it put behaviors on display. They > felt as soon as someone walked in the room they would know > the "bad" kids. Does anyone have any suggestions for a > behavior plan that would be comparable but not put the kids > "on display". Please keep in mind there is only one of me > and usually 22 or more kindergartners. > Thanks!

Jul 23, 2013