large classes

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large classes
By Cathy-Dee

Thankfully I haven't had too many years of large classes, but I have had up to 27 at one time. It's a bit more tiring but it can be done.

I rarely use rows in my classroom. I prefer clusters. Once you get to know your
kids you can easily change a student or two who like to talk a lot and move them into a group of quieter students. My kids become quite used to finding their desks in new locations several times a month.
I like doing group work as well in smaller groups, I find that September and October are the harder months because we are still learning all the systems, classroom rules, etc., but

from November onward you will find that group work can be done quite easily. I'd still start it in September and October but just don't worry if it takes more time to get them settled into the routines.

- some activity work for those who need to be doing things independently
- writing in their journals - I use these for fairly unstructured writing times - I want my kids to learn to spell phonetically and this is a good place for them to feel safe in trying to spell words.
- printing - once I demonstrate the letter and we've done a few of the letters as whole class activities I can usually make this an independant activity for most of the students.
- silent reading - reading on their own
- listening and computer centers

I would look for a few resource books, I know there are quite a few who offer good ideas for setting up centers, work groups, etc.,

Work on getting parents involved - it is so much nicer if you can have a group of parents who make a one morning a week committment to come in. Even if they can only commit to an hour every morning - you can plan your group times around these parents and have them leading one of the groups.
They can also take kids out to read with with - do some individual testing, etc.,

My first two to three weeks I plan for centers every day. 40 minutes a day. This gives me time to test the kids one-on-one and do some initial observations of their social skills. As the year progresses I change from these very informal centers to more formal ones and gradually reduce the times as well so that they are prepared for going into second grade.

Don't worry if something doesn't work out the first, second even third time you try. Don't be afraid to make changes. I'm starting year 9 and I still make changes as I figure out my kids and where their needs are.