Wow!

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Wow!
By Kathy

You are definitely in a difficult situation --particularly as a beginning teacher with no administrative support. But you can still be a determining change in your student's lives. And you have a support system here--if
nowhere else!
Here's what I would suggest:
1. Definitely get and read Ron Clark's "Essential 55"--He was working with these very types of kids and it's a very inspirational book. Another great book is "Teaching with Love and Logic."
2. If you don't already have procedures written down, do so. Write down exactly how you want the students to act and what you expect from them.
For

example, Here's my "Line-up Procedure"

1. Clear desk area quickly. (Make sure that all unfinished work is on your clip.)
2. Make sure floor area is clear.
3. Push in chairs.
4. Line up quickly with no talking in fire drill order.
5. Walk down hall in line quietly with hands to yourself.

Then practice, practice, practice. If you have to take a whole recess period practicing the line-up procedure until they get it right, do so. (Ron Clark's class had lunch 40 minutes late the first day, I think.)

I time my kids to see how quickly they can do it and write that time up on the board. (13 seconds is our record) If someone talks, I just calmly say. "Almost. Let's go back and try again." I'm lucky because I teach a combined grade and most of my class are 4th graders I had last year
so they know what to expect.

3. I would agree with Coach, you need to give up the "cutesy" lessons and rewards. These kids haven't earned them! I believe privileges/extra activities have to be EARNED! And if you don't have control of the class, no reward system in the world is going to work.

My first "take" on your post was they you were spending way too much on rewards and focusing too much on "fun, fun, fun."

4. Even though you had a horrid beginning, every day is a new day! One of the most useful management ideas I got from a workshop said that when you wanted to begin again, change the environment. (Such as a desk switch.)

5. If at all possible, try to find someone--anyone--at your school that is willing to mentor you. I remember my first year and it's tough--no matter where you are teaching.

Well, hope I've helped some. I'll keep you in my prayers and let us know how it's going.