1. What aspects of my week did I find most valuable?
Taking on a third class this week has been a challenge in regards to classroom discipline. This class of eighth graders is completely different then the other two classes that I have been teaching. This group has many in it that have behavioral problems which means having to be on top of them at all times. Also, they are a group who are more hands on then lecturing, so I have to take a different approach to teaching the material.
On Friday while giving a test first period, two of my students were called to the office for disciplinary problems. The first student called was about half way finished with their test and when returned finished the test but bombed the second half. When the student had returned, they did not seem to be upset but it was obvious that they were. The second student who was called was finished with their test but returned crying during second period (which is a prep peroid) and made the statement that they were going to "kill themselves. " I had to calm them down and asked if they needed to go see someone in the office. They said no but my co-op who had also heard what the student had said had to report it to the office. The student returned during activity period and thanked me for caring. Once again just showing that you care makes a big difference.
Also on Friday, during the third class that I teach, just as I was going to start class, a student said to another one "don't take my picture again." Just as I turned around to see what was happening the student did take another picture and the one who made the statement before said "Mrs. Huntington so and so is taking pictures." My co-op heard that too and both of us approached the student with my co-op asking the student quietly to give her the camera. The student did without making a scene. This was a great way to start the class but I did without any difficulty. I learned how to deal with a situation like this by staying calm and taking control of the situation.
2. What I would have changed if I had the chance to start the week over.
I would change the way I handled the third class regarding classroom management this week. I started on Monday with going over the classroom rules and disciplinary policy with them just as I have with my other two classes. On Thursday it was very clear that they were not going to be able to have any of the came privileges that the other classes have. On Friday I had to go over the rules and disciplinary policies again and had to make myself very clear on what they now have lost in regards to privileges. Classroom management is one of the most important aspects when teaching and this class is proving this to me.
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One piece of advice I would like to pass along to you that my co-op always tells me about student behavior is to be persistent and enforce your rules with the students. If you let misbehavior slide then they'll keep it up and not listen to you the next time you try to discipline them. It sounds like the students can be difficult, but at least you are experiencing this now when you can get the advice from your co-op, Mrs. Wiscount, and your fellow student teachers! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteYou are right Bettie. Without good classroom management in place, the very best lesson plan is not worth anything since we have to "put out the fires" all throughout the lesson.
ReplyDeleteIt is great that you see the Monday situation from your students' eyes. When my students were taking a test and were called out of the classroom, I would call whomever paged them and tell them that the student is taking a test a the present moment and I will send him/her down as soon as they are finished with the test. Academics are first unless there is an all out emergency.
I am glad you connected with the second student. Whatever the problem, they are children learning about themselves and the world around them. They may not always make the best decision, but that is part of growing up. They need us to support them instead of add ourselves to the pack of adults that are presently against them in that given situation. With our teenage suicide statistics in this nation, we need to make their mistakes more of a learning experience rather than a chastising experience. When a student makes a very uncomfortable comment, make sure you send them to see the guidance office and email or better yet, call the guidance office immediately with a high alert subject line. Students cry out for help in many different ways. It is very clear that your students were at that point.
Thanks for sharing. :)