Out of Control

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Out of Control
By Christine

Dear Pat, I would like to first let you know that it's not the end of the world that you raised your voice to them. I also think that a "full class time out" is also appropriate at times. I too have an energetic bunch
(4 in particular, as well). I think that you really have to focus on the 4, and I use peer pressure (without them knowing of course). I have team incentives during centers. They have to be all looking out for each other's behaviors. If they aren't the team turns their card (I use a red, yellow, green, blue card system). If they interupt a Reading Group, they automatically go to blue

which means they get a note home and loose 10 minutes of playground). I clearly state these expectations and I model and practice the appropriate behaviors several times at the beginning of the year. I also remind them of the consequenses prior to starting centers. That way it's fresh in their mind. Sometimes, nothing works...it doesn't make you a bad teacher, you just need to go back to the begining and model the appropriate behaviors and expectations.

I wrote a "T" chart, that lists what center time looks like and sounds like. I post it on the wall where they all can see it. We write it together as well, so it's their thoughts (with my prompting of course!).

Focus on the individual children who are driving you nuts-o. Create behavior charts using smiling faces/medium faces and sad faces, involve their parents and put the respoinsibilty on them! Make the learner be the worker...

Good luck and don't be so hard on yourself!
Christine