my little bit of input By Constance

1. This year has been very difficult because there are so many problems in my classroom. You can expect to have one or two problems every year, but this year I have a handful or more. The most difficult problems I face

this year are social/emotional problems. One day my husband said, "Does a day ever go by when a student isn't crying?" My students are fourth graders. 2. If a child has problems get support quickly. When you notice a problem begin to document your observations. In my school we have a teacher support team. Once your "case" is presented the administration has a sense of

your problems, and your support team gives your recommendations you can try. Most important, it's a document of how well (or not so well) your student is performing in your class. In two of my cases this year, a social worker was assigned to touch base. But be aware, social worker's case loads are enormous in a needy school like mine. My students don't have ready access to our social worker and we have no guidance counselor.

3. Someone or several with ADD or ADHD will be in your classroom every year. Be aware that not all parents want to medicate, medication sometimes needs to be tweaked if it's used, and medication only lasts for a certain period of time. Again document, and speak with parents about your observations. They usually experience the same types of behavior at home so your feedback will mimic their own findings. Those with ADD are consistently inconsistent. You need to keep working on ways to help them do their best in school.

4. I can often connect behavior problems with personal problems at home. Often times your student is crying out for attention. Sometimes behavior problems can be as simple as a student who is chronically late or absent. That behavior affects their performance in school.

5. During the third week of school I contact every parent. At this early date they're honest, helpful and have complete faith in their child's new teacher. Once you've established early communication, keep it up. I use weeky behavior reports for all students. I can also write a note in their planners. schoolnotes.com is a tool for communicating between teacher and parent. Check it out sometime. Parents can e-mail you anytime they have a question or concern.

6. I find that teaching content is the easy part of the job. Managing behavor is always challenging because it's always changing. Students even change throughout the year. In fourth grade the hormones kick into gear during the spring--this creates new issues. Every years you'll have a different set of behavioral issues. Be open-minded and hold class meetings. Class meetings truly help to manage the classroom behavior issues.

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