some thoughts

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : August : 23

some thoughts
By jl

Hi Lisa,

Sweet, angelic fourth graders have a habit of doing that once the honeymoon is over! The best advice has already been given to you--sit back and look at all that is going well and take it from there! That being
said, perhaps we can help you with transition times and your afternoons that are, as you say, a mess. How do you handle transition times? In the past, I have done simple things like, "Boys and girls, I am counting down from 10, by the time I reach one, you must have your math book and journal on your desk, your eyes on me, and you are ready to work." Then I count down, when I reach one,

a consequence is given to those who aren't ready (ex.-name in log book because they didn't follow the rule to be prepared or follow directions). Sounds tough, but start doing it now and transitions will flow soon. Also, try counting down and rewarding those who are ready with points or verbal praise. For the chronic staller (and we all have those) I start the lesson anyway and they end up missing joining the group for the initiating activity which is usually a game. Stand firm and make your transitions teacher directed for awhile and by November, kid will get it with ease! Trouble in the afternoons--maybe you could post again and let us know what is happening in the afternoons--something simple like readjusting an activity or interspersing an independent activity with a teacher-directed read aloud for 10 minutes will help maintain a balance of control. Just a word of caution here--are you expecting alot of independence in the afternoon from your fourth graders? It is very difficult for them to do this at this time of year--they are still 'third graders" in their work habits and you may have to back up and model more of how to work independently, or unfortunately, you may have to "direct" these activities for a bit with comments like "put your answer on this line and move your finger down to questio four..." until they are ready for more independence. Naturally, this doesn't free you up to work with students in small groups, but you may have to choose between setting a tone now or dealing with trouble later. I know this is long, but I hope some of the information helps. Hang in there--six weeks from now they will be yours--where you want them to be,how you want them to behave, etc. Give it time--and keep doing all the great things you are doing.