The first 2 wks are critical

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The first 2 wks are critical
By Pearl

When someone has said, "Don't smile", I'm sure they mean to be firm and unwavering. I've been teaching for quite a few years and I smile a lot, especially on the first day of school. I also set very high standards because
I realize that now more than ever there are a lot of children without good role models and need to develop good citizenship and teachers are needed to help young people make good choices. If the class has not been able to do something well, (eg. coming in and settling down after recess) practice it until they can. Take aside the few that refuse and tell them they have chosen to practice

it at recess and follow through. (Even though yu will need a break, the more time and effort you put in at the beginning of the year, the more it's worth to you later.) Always use incentives and motivations. Hopefully, your school will allow you to send the students out for recess a minute early OR work towards a class reward (which they can brainstorm for and choose as long as it is approved by you). They can get points for great behavior, staying on task, working productively, coming in and getting right to work after recess, etc.