My 2 cents

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Home : 2003 : September : 17

My 2 cents
By Beth

My first year of teaching was an experience that I will never forget and it sounds like my class was similar to your husband's. While I'd love to say that they made a fantastic turn around, they did not, but by the end of
the year things were somewhat tolerable. Also since then I have time to gain some perspective and think back to what I could have done. Here is what I have come up with:
1. Leave the parents out of it. For documentation purposes attempt to call and make a log of it; however, these children are like this for a reason. They have no structure at home and feel that their should be no

structure at school. Do not make calling home a consequence- it will not make an impact. Take responsibilty yourself for following through on consequences (limited play time, silent lunch, etc).

2. Bring background knowledge to these students. Most literature has no impact on students if the student has no background knowledge on the subject. Building background is essential for maximum interest and understanding.

3. Bring the outside world to them through videos and speakers. Or take them out into the outside world through field trips. They don't care about the world around them because they don't understand what goes on beyond their front door.

4. Make sure they have the basics. No Child Left Behind has left teachers with quite a list of expectations for students to fufill. But if Jonny doesn't no that ea can make the ee sound then he could care less about how to determine the main idea of a selection.

5. Let them know who is boss. At home they propably are the boss or there is no boss at all. They will rebel at first, but once after a while, they see stern with the eyes of caring behind it they may just surprise you.

I hope this was at least somewhat helpful! Good luck!!