| |||||||||
| |||||||||
| |||||||||
|
Home : 2005 : April : 29
I think consistency is a big key in any classroom. I don't enjoy giving consequences for misbehavior, but if I have to...I have to. Kids need to know the routine and what is expected. Inconsistency can cause misbehavior,
As far as the parents complaining about taking away recess. Well I believe that recess is an extra privilege. It's important for them to get their work done and be respectful first. If they are doing what they're supposed to be doing, they would get a full recess. If I have students who miss part of recess for behavior, they still go outside, but they stand or sit against the wall. That way they are still outside getting fresh air. Sometimes I keep students in for not getting their homework done or leaving it at home. What can a parent say about that? My students should be responsible enough to remember their homework, but I don't think a parental reminder is that bad. Have you heard of the flip card system? Last year it was very effective. This year I'm in a different position (with a co-teacher) and she had a different idea. She was in the classrom for 3 years before I came in, so I didn't feel it was my place to change it. I don't like the system we have this year and would never use it again. For the flip card system you have a pocket chart. Each student has a pocket with 4 colored squares of construction paper. Each color means something different. They all start on green for the day. If they misbehave, are disrespectful, blurt out in class, etc...you can tell them to change their card. The next color would be yellow which means they have been warned. If they have a problem again you could have them flip a card to orange which means miss 10 min of recess. If they have to flip a card again it's a red which means a note home to their parents which needs to be signed and returned to school the next day. If they have to flip a card again that's a visit to the principal. I had a fairly tough class last year. No one ever flipped to blue, and it rarely happened that one flipped to red. If they stay on green that's a great day! The note that was sent home explained what happened, what interventions were done to eliminate the behavior, and I would ask the parents to discuss appropriate behaviors at school. It sounds like your coteacher is supportive. That's so important. Also communicating with each other. My coteacher and I don't communicate as well as we should. I'm new to the class this year and she isn't, and I've really felt that from her. As far as talking being a problem. Some groups are just plain old chattier than others. My class last year was very chatty. My class this year is very respectful and give me their full attention during lessons. That's where the consistency is important. Once you make it VERY clear to them that they are to work quietly with no talking, enforce it. Sometimes it may feel like you are constantly pestering them to be quiet, but stay on it. There are times I have said "This is a quiet work time, and that means no talking. If I see kids talking I will write your name down on a piece of paper and you will miss part of recess (or whatever consequence you decide)." They don't know if you're going to write their name down or not, so they tend to stay quiet. I had to do that last year a few times. Sometimes it takes trial and error. Finding what works well for you and what works well for the kids. It might be a good idea to ask for their input. What are the rules? What should happen if we break the rules? What do they feel are reasonable consequences? They may come up with some good ideas and it makes them responsible and accountable. Good luck. Sorry that I sort of rambled on!
What people are currently discussing in the ProTeacher Community: |
| ||||||||
