It is hard

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It is hard
By Jacey

My advice might not be popular but it worked for me. I feel that it is a more realistic look at teaching inner city and surviving your first year with a difficult class.

My background- last year was my first year of
teaching. I had 1st grade inner city. It was the year from hades... My room was recognized by the entire school as being the worst room. This was not my fault- just a super super super bad combination of children.
The first thing you need to realize is that some of these children have severe problems and most likely do not belong in a regular ed. classroom. However, do to polictics

and hoopla- they often stay in your room and are not moved to where proper help can be given. Along with this, recognize that these children will disrupt (to put it lightly) your class. And- the other children who know better often feed off of this behavior.

The cute class management ideas we learned in college do not apply in a situation like this. At least not at first. I think the most valuable lesson I learned was when I proved to myself and my class that I was in charge. I refused to beg, cajole, or compramise. Boy did I get mean- but I had to. I was too nice and let them get away with too much in the beginning and they ate me alive. For example, when they start talking during carpet time- stay calm but blow up at them. You have had enough! Send them back to their seats, put your heads down and then say we will do this every day until you get it right. Eventually you will be able to remind them without being so drastic. But they need to know you mean buisness! You cannot let up an inch! If you see someone talking- stop your lesson and put an end to it immed. Yes, it disrupts your flow- but the talking will too and that only gets worse.

As for your difficult child- you need to make a judgement call here. Is he (for lack of better term) mentaly unable to control himself or is he acting up. If he is just acting up- once again, show him who is incharge! If he needs help, talk to your mentor and special ed dept.

You cannot accept anything less that your expecations. If you give an inch they take 100 miles. This includes the way you want them to sit at their seats to eyes on you. Don't be afraid to get tough- you might sacrifice learning now while establishing who is in control.. but in the long run it will pay off.

Finally- know that this year will be hard. Most nights you will feel like you just went round for round in a boxing match... but it does get better. And the sense of accomplishement you will get when you finish anoter week is worth it. Continue to do your best- the kids will learn and you will see results.

Please keep us posted I know that these chat boards were my salvation last year. A lot of people gave me advice and helped me through what I thought would be my first and last year of teaching. Boy am I glad I stayed- my class this year is a dream compared to lasts- LOL