Well this week has been a really long one, probably because it was our first full week of lead teaching (not to mention our first full week practically this semester). It was definitely a big change to always be the one person in charge and have to handle every issue that came up on my own. For most of the week, my MT was out of the room helping the literacy specialist with preparations for the WIDA tests coming up. Because of this, it was like subbing all week. As the week went on, it seemed to become more and more clear to my students that I would be teaching all day and would be their "main teacher". I thought I was going to have to make a point of telling them that I would be teaching on my own for the next month or so, but they are already becoming used to this change. I have had to become more consistent with "drawing hard lines" as far as rules and expectations in the classroom. Meaning, when I say "3, 2, 1, voices off" I expect every student to stop talking and to look at me. if a student does not stop talking, they will get a "check" or a card flip. This has improved the effectiveness of that attention grabber a lot this past week. I plan to continue being decisive and "black and white" with my rules and expectations when I can in order to improve behavior and lessen the amount of problems/issues.
I think my biggest learning experience was having lessons, or activities to fill time. For example, laptops weren't available this week and I didn't know that until the morning of. It was a good feeling knowing that I was in control of choosing what to do during that time, but I was nervous to make sure I made the best decision for my students.
I also had a lot of social issues in my classroom this week. I had to stop class for a bullying situation. It ended up taking our writing time, which is fine, but it was a very frustrating situation and I'm not sure I handled it the best way. I wish I would have kept my cool more, but it was so frustrating to see my students just laugh it off. I can relate to Maggie with being in the classroom alone all week. I feel as though the students tried to push me as far as they could. I had to stay consistent with my expectations. I do, "3, 2, 1" and then eyes on me and voices off by the time I say 1. If students did not follow they were given two warnings before I gave them a color turn. By Wednesday, my frustration was running thin. Seven students were on red, and 6 on yellow. On Thursday I talked to the students about my new rule. I will give them two verbal warnings, by the third we are calling their parents, and the fourth in one day they will get a minor referral. Thursday and Friday were much better. I know that I need to make sure and follow through with this in the upcoming weeks. I believe that calling home because of behavioral issues will make a difference in my most disruptive students.
Hello all! Next week feel free to add a new post for your own reflection. Norah, please also let me know whether or not you are okay as a blog "author." Thanks!
Well this week has been a really long one, probably because it was our first full week of lead teaching (not to mention our first full week practically this semester). It was definitely a big change to always be the one person in charge and have to handle every issue that came up on my own. For most of the week, my MT was out of the room helping the literacy specialist with preparations for the WIDA tests coming up. Because of this, it was like subbing all week. As the week went on, it seemed to become more and more clear to my students that I would be teaching all day and would be their "main teacher". I thought I was going to have to make a point of telling them that I would be teaching on my own for the next month or so, but they are already becoming used to this change.
ReplyDeleteI have had to become more consistent with "drawing hard lines" as far as rules and expectations in the classroom. Meaning, when I say "3, 2, 1, voices off" I expect every student to stop talking and to look at me. if a student does not stop talking, they will get a "check" or a card flip. This has improved the effectiveness of that attention grabber a lot this past week. I plan to continue being decisive and "black and white" with my rules and expectations when I can in order to improve behavior and lessen the amount of problems/issues.
I think my biggest learning experience was having lessons, or activities to fill time. For example, laptops weren't available this week and I didn't know that until the morning of. It was a good feeling knowing that I was in control of choosing what to do during that time, but I was nervous to make sure I made the best decision for my students.
ReplyDeleteI also had a lot of social issues in my classroom this week. I had to stop class for a bullying situation. It ended up taking our writing time, which is fine, but it was a very frustrating situation and I'm not sure I handled it the best way. I wish I would have kept my cool more, but it was so frustrating to see my students just laugh it off.
I can relate to Maggie with being in the classroom alone all week. I feel as though the students tried to push me as far as they could. I had to stay consistent with my expectations. I do, "3, 2, 1" and then eyes on me and voices off by the time I say 1. If students did not follow they were given two warnings before I gave them a color turn. By Wednesday, my frustration was running thin. Seven students were on red, and 6 on yellow. On Thursday I talked to the students about my new rule. I will give them two verbal warnings, by the third we are calling their parents, and the fourth in one day they will get a minor referral. Thursday and Friday were much better. I know that I need to make sure and follow through with this in the upcoming weeks. I believe that calling home because of behavioral issues will make a difference in my most disruptive students.
Hello all! Next week feel free to add a new post for your own reflection. Norah, please also let me know whether or not you are okay as a blog "author." Thanks!
ReplyDelete