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Second Grade Teachers Chatboard

FIrst Year Teaching, Starting Mid-Year, Any Advice??

by Monica

Dec 14, 2011

Hello all, I am starting my first year teaching, and I will be starting mid-year. Does anyone have any advice for me? My biggest fear is classroom management. I'm worried I won't get the children to listen to me or respect me. I understand I will be a stranger to them, but what can I do to instill their trust in me?

a few tips On 12/14/11, Monica wrote: > Hello all, I am starting my first year teaching, and I will > be starting mid-year. Does anyone have any advice for me? > My biggest fear is classroom management. I'm worried I > won't get the children to listen to me or respect me. I > understand I will be a stranger to them, but what can I do > to in...See More

Dec 14, 2011

Sara On 12/14/11, Monica wrote: > Hello all, I am starting my first year teaching, and I will > be starting mid-year. Does anyone have any advice for me? > My biggest fear is classroom management. I'm worried I > won't get the children to listen to me or respect me. I > understand I will be a stranger to them, but what can I do > to in...See More

Dec 15, 2011

Leanne/CA On 12/14/11, a few tips wrote:

> You will need to begin as if it is the very first day, because > it really is for both you and the students. Tell student your > expectations (don't call them rules). Practice procedures like > transitioning, bathroom time, lunch, etc. Drop a marble in a > jar everytime the whole class is go...See MoreOn 12/14/11, a few tips wrote:

> You will need to begin as if it is the very first day, because > it really is for both you and the students. Tell student your > expectations (don't call them rules). Practice procedures like > transitioning, bathroom time, lunch, etc. Drop a marble in a > jar everytime the whole class is good, to work towards a > party; this will encourage good behavior out of each kid. Hope > this helps some.

Procedures, procedures, procedures! Don't overwhelm them on the first day, just keep it simple. Remember to repeat procedures over many times. Keep in mind that it won't work perfectly the first time because you will have to earn their respect/trust. Resist the temptation to raise your voice.

As for the parents, keep in mind that they don't know you or your style. Like with the kids it takes time to develop rapport with them. Send a nice, warm welcome letter telling them how eager you are to work with their children, and that you want them all to succeed. Don't be too specific about procedures with the parents. Wait a week or two to establish what works (it's different for every class), and then send home a rules/procedures sheet that you have the kids AND parents sign. Then when they challenge you (they will), you have a piece of paper that proves they were aware of the rules and procedures.

Make sure to give a copy of all of your newsletters, etc. to your principal. He/she will be better able to back you up if there are any issues.

Don't try to do too many things the first week. Have your day planned in 20-30 minute increments, rotating from whole class to seatwork each time. Make sure to take frequent stretch breaks.

Oh, and one more thing--bathroom procedures. At my school, the kids get two recesses and lunch to use the bathroom. However, many 2nd graders, especially those who take medications, need to use the bathroom more frequently. I've taught 2nd grade for many, many years, and it seems to be the "testing limits" of choice with 2nd graders! I decided I don't want to make it a big deal, so I have a simple procedure:

You go at recess/lunch. If it's an emergency and it's within 5 minutes of a recess/lunch, you owe me 2 minutes of your time for taking 2 minutes of mine. If it's during independent work time you may go, but it's not an excuse for not finishing your work. I have no problems and no wet pants! If they really have to go, losing 2 minutes of their recess is worth it. If they are just trying to get out of doing work, it's not!

Dec 21, 2011

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