Learning as you go

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Home : 2004 : January : 16

Learning as you go
By Tanya

I'm teaching fourth for the third year now. My kids get too excited during hands-on science so I know that those 45-minute lessons I'll be working extra hard to keep them focused. I find that they are engaged, just excited.
Reigning them in to listen is extra hard. Somedays it's easier than others. My strategies--give me five, on/off swich of lights, ding of timer and sometimes I just need to raise my voice to get their attention. I always tell myself that although these lessons are tough on me the kids really LOVE these hands-on activities. I know that it's harder this year with 26 kids too. My first

fourth grade had 17 kids. That makes a big difference.

Also, as you teach you find that the age group always gets out of hand about the same thing. In my class rulers cause distractions every year. Now I warn them beforehand that if anyone fights over the color ruler they get then they don't get to participate. Next step to conquer is the twirling of the ruler on the pencil. I tell the offender to stop and the next time I'll take it away.

And, now that they've known us for 1/2 year kids start to take advantage. I know that this week I really had to be tough. They didn't mind though. Best wishes and keep the hands-on activities. The kids must really enjoy your classes.