I know what you're going through!!!!

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Home : 2004 : February : 29

I know what you're going through!!!!
By Kati

I, too, am a first year teacher. I came into my current class (as their third teacher this year) in January and they were INSANE!!! I have many little teachers who love to try to tell me what to do. As for an added bonus,
many are poverty level with no parental support. These children did not have any structure either, but I came in one day and told them that everything was going to change. To be honest, I have found that sometimes you just have to "chew them out" a bit as a class. I have struggled with remaining consistent, but their behavior has completely turned around.
As for the fun stuff....

My kids have Boring Friday. I chose this day because it's the day that they want nothing more than to have some fun. If their behavior isn't acceptable I write a letter on the board. B...O... R... and so on. If they spell out Boring Friday. They do nothing but write and listen to lectures all day. I only had to have two boring fridays before they got the point. Here it is just 2 mo. later and you would think I have a new class. They have learned that they do not get rewarded for bad behavior.
Sometimes you just have to be a drill sargeant until they get it into their heads. Just remember that you're there to teach not to be their friend. But there is a line between being mean and tough love. I have found that kids NEED structure and that they thrive in a structured environment. DON"T FORGET TO SHOW THEM THE LIGHTER SIDE OF THINGS TOO!