I feel your pain

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I feel your pain
By Pam

I am in the same situation, now last year I had k-5, this year I only have k-3 there are 12 students and I get a 15 minute lunch, and then the 2:30-3:15 prep time. It is hard. I made a schedule that has 3 columns 1 - students
going out, 2- student instructional groups, and 3- students independent work. I am very rigid in sticking to that schedule you have to be. I do the instructional groups, my aide takes care of independent work which ranges from thematic studies that reinforce what I teach to fine motor and journals. I do reading groups and we have to split up math - she works with the students who

write their numbers and I work with those who do addition and subtraction. I also do money and time games at the end of the game it is a nice way to get academics in a fun way. The past two weeks I have resorted to intermittant reinforcement with stickers and sometimes m&m's because I have had some mild behavior problems that I wanted to nip before they worsen. I keep a bag of m&m's on hand and if someone is acting out or refusing to do something I reward those that are on task. I am very consistent in how I do this and it only took 3 times to get them back on track. Yes we have a tuff job but I cannot stress ORGANIZATION, and rigid scheduling enough. You will get the kiddos to the point where they are conditioned too with that intermittint reinforcement schedule too and the rigidity. With real rough students a schedule board that tells what is next really works, see your ot specialist about that they help. Hope this advice helps feel free to contact me if you need additional support.
Pam