I think we have all done that

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Home : 2002 : March : 8

I think we have all done that
By Carolyn

Sometimes we are just too much in a hurry. I know I feel especially rushed on certain days of the week--when my schedule changes, for example. Our guidance counselor comes in on Thursdays to teach the kids during my regularly
scheduled math class. I explain to the kids that I want to do as much math as possible before she arrives so that we don't lose a day of math. Most of the time, they cooperate. We start a little earlier than usual, first thing in the morning, and try to get at least a half-hour in before she arrives.
Afternoons are hectic. Kids come in from recess all full of pep and vigor

and are ready to play some more, not work on science, which is what we do after recess. I am pressed for time to get started with that, too, since we only have an hour left in the school day after they come in from recess. During that hour, I have to cram in science and writing.

I erase the letters of the word RECESS if they don't settle down when I want them to. I write names on the board. With the older kids, you just need to stare them down (I do this, too) until they are ready to start. If you are standing at the front of the room just staring at them, they usually eventually get the point. They do stop talking. However, if they don't, you can start giving out warnings to the kids who are still talking after a bit, then an after-school detention.

It's definitely a good idea to wait until they are ready before you begin teaching. I have learned that if you don't get kids settled down at the start of the lesson, they are likely to spend the entire lesson unsettled.